system
What is the best way to deal with depression and mania when suffering from bipolar disorder?
human
my daughter, 50 years old diagnosed since 20 years old. Married 20 years. How to talk with her during phases of mania, her fast talking thinking she knows all. I've been just letting her talk. She seems to go back and forth depression and mania. I no longer contribute my ideas. I'm not sure how to deal with her, even after all of these years. today she called and talked non stop for an hour and said don't you think I'm better. I'm tongue tied, can't say yes but don't want to upset her. What's the best way to deal with her? She is bipolar.
gpt
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.I understand that it must be difficult for you as a mother to see your daughter suffer multiple episodes of mania and depression. As you would know by now, these episodes can cause a lot of disruption and dysfunction in a person's life. So, the only way of avoiding this suffering is to prevent such episodes. There are good medication available (called mood stabilizers) which can prevent such mood episodes. But it is important to take these medication regularly and be under periodic follow up in order to prevent relapses.So, I would suggest that you discuss with her husband and take her to a psychiatrist nearby for a detailed assessment and further treatment. During the episodes of mania, when she is taking a lot, sometimes, even irrelevantly, the best approach is to be neutral. But it is also equally important that you ensure her safety and have a close watch over her as such people can do rash or reckless things when they are in a manic phase. Wish you all the best.Regards,Dr. Jonas SundarakumarConsultant Psychiatrist