Bipolar Support Group

Hi all,

I have a beautiful sister who suffers from bipolar disorder. Her's is bad enough that she is unable to work.

I have not always been the most supportive sister... but I often feel that her doctors just focus more on medicating her than giving her tools she needs to help her cope. We have locked horns on more than one occasion and then she doesn't talk to me for a long time.

I need to have a better relationship with my sister. I have fibromyalgia which I see a specialist for and almost all my treatment is based on diet change, rest and other "natural" rememdies. I know how I feel when someone doesn't support my need for extra help and I have been one of those guilty of doing the same thing to my sister and I really want to stop.

I figure the best way to stop is to learn about it. Learn what she needs me to do, how she needs me to react and also to learn what others do to help live with their bipolar and hear about what successes they have.

The most recent thing to come up that has be worried is she is in Calgary to visit with a really good friend who teaches in Hong Kong. She only gets back to Calgary every few years. So my sister and her son are here to visit but her husband had to go back to Mayerthorpe and ever since he did she has been antisocial, sad, crying, depressed and just not participating in what's going on around her... it makes me so sad and I don't know what to say or do to help her adjust to him being at home.

I look forward to what you have to teach me and getting my relationship with my sister back on the healthiest course it's probably ever been on!

Welcome to the forum Lonedove. I think it's fantastic that you are looking for ways to support your sister and heal your relationship with her. I feel bad for her that she is so upset over her husband going home. Understand that he may be a big support system for her and she may feel a bit lost without him. Sadly if she is really depressed she may not be able to just pull herself up by her bootstraps and feel better but if you can get her out for a walk (if you are up to it) and a long talk that is generous with hugs that may help.

As far as the meds go you are probably going to have to accept that for most bipolars they are a first line of treatment and defense against moodswings. In fact when my own sister gets on my case that I 'take too many meds' I get really angry and sensitive so I'd leave that one alone. Med needs vary but many of us take as many as five different ones.

It is hard to say what would make your sister feel supported so I can only say what makes me feel supported and honestly that is mostly to be listened to without being judged and an occassional invite out if I am isolating myself with a depression. Truly accept that mental illness is as serious as physical illness and that will come through and be a great balm to her spirit.