Bipolar Disorder DENIAL: Refusing Treatment For Mental Illness

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Bipolar Disorder is truly a journey - and not just for those of us with the diagnosis. The impact of this illness can be far reaching to include our friends, spouse, family, coworkers, and more.

I've had many people ask me to make a video talking about "how to approach someone who denies that there's a problem." This is actually a challenging topic without a simple answer. Everyone's situation and challenges are different. I have some valuable advice I'm going to share, but it's important to be realistic with expectations when it comes to someone struggling with mental illness. Progress can be slow. It takes time for people to become self-aware of their symptoms, develop new habits, seek treatment, and mend broken relationships (where possible).

Even if our symptoms are obvious to those around us, "part of the illness includes not being able to see them ourselves." This is where the gentle observations of those close to us can be of huge benefit - IF the Bipolar individual is open to hearing them.

Hopefully after watching this video, you will have some new tools, ideas, and information about Bipolar Disorder to help you on your journey. I'd love to hear what you think in the comments, and if you have any questions, I always do my best to help.

If this is your first time visiting our channel, welcome to "the Polar Warrior club!" We are completely dedicated to helping individuals, families, and friends who struggle with, or know someone living with Bipolar Disorder. Our goal is to provide actual tools, tips, and discuss topics that can potentially help “Polar Warriors” grow to live a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life. We truly hope these videos inspire & educate those interested in knowing more about this serious mental illness. PLEASE remember to subscribe so you don't miss a video that could impact your life in a profound way!

-Rob Whittaker, Polar Warriors: Bipolar Support
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As we speak my 42 year old daughter is in a manic. She was gone all weekend. Just sent me a text saying she is in Venice Beach, CA and lost her debit card and would I put her up in a motel. I said no, but I would send an Uber to bring her home. She said no. This has been going on since 2012. She is in complete denial. I can’t enable her. She goes manic, loses her job, gets put in jail, then is homeless and comes home to me in a depression, doesn’t work for a long time, gets a job and then it begins all over again in a manic. I’m the target of her anger.

valamonica
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This channel is a godsend. My 30 yo son is experiencing BP1 with delusions and hallucinating. His anger at his wife and me, his mom is terrifying and upsetting. She has left for her own safety and we are both trying to help and keep a conversation open. Ive learned so much from you!

lisabrower
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Whilst I respect what professionals have to say on this condition, it is good to hear the experiences etc of those who actually have to live with this condition, personally.

joebloggs
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Sometimes the guilt kills me racing thoughts they're killing me and sometimes your family makes you feel bad sometimes I want to go to the hospital but I am scared that they are going to leave me there I feel like My life is over I can't even have a normal relationship because I am scared of what they will think about me thank you for your videos

AngieMiller-bn
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My wife won't admit there is an issue and it is breaking my soul. I don't think I'll ever be the same person and I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's really affecting my already fragile mental health 😔



I appreciate your efforts. It has helped me considerably.

LostnTranslation
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It's so difficult trying to face this when you're alone with no support or love from others!!!

gonzalescarrie
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Just wanted to let you know that your videos are so helpful to me and my spouse. I am the one with bipolar and it took 4 years from my diagnosis until I was stable and found the right combination of medications. Thanks to my husbands patience and love we have just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. Hope you keep making these kinds of videos. They are so helpful!

luvknit
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As much as I wanted to be there for my friend she would not listen and it just felt like I was enabling really exhausting behavior. There were no boundaries. I was so exhausted and my head was spinning I had to walk away. I know bipolar isn’t easy and cannot imagine. However if you are losing yourself to help someone who is not listening, treating you badly and sucking out all of your time, you need to detach. We glorify helping but for those trying to help, creat strong boundaries and take breaks. If you don’t, you may just end up being in a co dependent toxic relationship.

jrav
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I am bipolar( from a year) and I am 13 years old.
I wanted really to to say thank you so much because your channel helped me and my family ❤👏👏👏 ( actually my psychologist advised my family on your channel to learn more about bipolar disorder and how to deal with me)

gdourayamene
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I was diagnosed in 2012 and Rx'd Lamictil for Bipolar II. I took it for 35 days and then refused to take it because I made me very depressed and lethargic. Since then I have just been in denial. I self medicate every day and it seems like it's just getting worse and worse.

Now I found your channel and it's getting me closer to seeking help. I never told anyone I was diagnosed, I am heavily ridden with guilt.

piggsmermon
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To anyone reading with bipolar disorder: you are no less loved for that. YOU MATTER. You are a great person, despite any mistakes you may have made. Stay strong, and don’t forget you have people who love you.

rachelgelman
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My ex-wife is bipolar and I tried for years to help her. She was in denial and refused to get professional help. In the end, we divorced because the damage and suffering was too great. My mental and physical health was badly affected and I had to separate to survive. Very very sad. I hope she will get the help she needs but it can only happen if she acknowledges that she's got an illness.

plasmaarmelund
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Yeah I'm struggling with myself, I been trying to exercise to increase my mental awareness

AngryBilleh
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Thank you, I'm having a hard time with my partner and after years don't know how much more I can take. Thank you for the booster shot of strength and perspective!

shannonluster
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Thank you so much for this. I stopped my meds in December because I was in denial over my September diagnosis. I didn’t realize it until I had a really bad manic day today that paralleled my unusual behavior from almost two years ago. For me, my mania is the worst when it comes to love and men. “Falling in love” when I just met them, pushing and pulling away, being so obsessed, etc. it’s horrible and I know it’s not me at all. That’s why gets me. What I did tonight wasn’t me at all, and I need help. I wanted to embrace mania because of how happy, interested in love, and sociable i am. Yet, I’m so anxious. I used to have severe social society and it’s scaring me. I can’t live this way. I need help. Going to call my school’s psychiatrist. I’m so embarrassed thinking I didn’t need help nor meds. I’m crying a bit. I don’t want to be stigmatized or have an incurable mental health. I hate it; I really do.

writteninstars
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I had been abused by the system since I was diagnosed. It was so hard to trust the “professionals” treating me like an animal. Finding the right care made a big difference in acceptance.

graceg
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Thank you for the channel. My son is bi-polar and I and his mother are struggling through ANOTHER rage episode from him. My heart hurts for him but he is far from ok. Your channel has been there for information and support. He tells me he watches your videos so I'm thankful for that.

David-tgsb
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I didn't know I am bipolar right fm 1979 to 2018.Once I was browsing for polar bear & I came across bipolar disorder through polar warriors.Suddenly I realised I m bipolar. Immediately I visited a psychiatrist who told my guess is correct.Though I am not totally normal, still I am recovering . Because.of my behaviour, I lost my younger brother also.We have to forgive ourselves & forget the past.I tell my close friends, so sometimes Inyell at them, they remain silent.I was pushed out of my house In 1981.My neighbours & best friends together made me courageous to get on with life.Robert, as you told, we are alive bcuz of some understanding friends.

sathidevi
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My wife is presently hospitalized after her first big manic episode and it has left our family with so many questions and feelings of despair. Your videos are helping to pieces things together for us so thank you, perhaps when she's stops thinking we put her in the hospital we can work together to be together.

theidlehandsworkshop
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Your every video is the same. Priceless.☺
You're doing a wonderful job and your loved ones are actually doing something better. They are kinda help you do this job, right?
May I suggest something? It could be difficult for you but let me say it anyway.
How about some role-play on actual taking care of a bipolar loved one? A spouse (definitely a spouse), daughter, son, friend, like that. In a role play, we can get to see it like a movie and we can learn a lot if it's a video (Your talks are Top Of the class, but you know what I am trying to say)☺

Braveheartwriter