Getting someone to acknowledge their bipolar disorder?

Question:

I've known this guy for a long time. He's known for his abusive behavior and just being a total prick.(he does have a good heart and isnt a bad person) Recently his girlfriend confided in me that he has been diagnosed with bi polar disorder and he doesn't want anyone to know. He refuses to get treatment for reasons unknown..our best guess is that if he gets treatment then hes admitting to himself he's weak or
is a nut. ( i totally understand mental disorders bc i too suffer from depression and if i don't take my meds i wouldn't get out of bed.) So im asking on behalf of his girlfriend..How do you talk to someone about this issue, especially if they have a short fuse.How do you convince someone that this is nothing to be ashamed of? I know his quality of life would improve as well for his loved ones if he would get treatment.

Answers:
Leigh,

You can't make anyone do anything. If someone you know is bipolar, then you can encourage them to see a doctor and get on medication. But the harder you try to make someone do this, the more you are going to alienate that person.

Be loving, kind, gentle. Just mention it from time time. As soon as you meet with resistance, back off.

Oh yeah, and prayer works wonders. You can't convince this person, but God can.

Deb

Basically, he's got to realise he's got the illness and he needs medication. Alternatively, medication will help him to realise he has the illness. and needs help and can't manage it on his own.
Chances are he'll have to get a lot worse, severely depressed or anti social, before he can't take any more and WILL ask for help. And that won't solve the problem, it'll just be the start of a long road to him learning how to cope with and manage his bipolar.
By the way, if your friend wants to stick by her boyfriend, she will need the patience of God and learn how to distinguish between behaviour that is really him, and behaviour that is directly caused by the illness. Bipolar is a lot more complicated than just depression on it's own. It causes lots of personal and practical problems for the sufferer on their own and their partner. I suggest your lady friend joins or consults a bipolar support group for advice if she is really loves this guy.

Hello,

My name is Julia and I work with NBC Universal. We are currently developing a new nationally syndicated talk show called "The Steve Wilkos Show" Steve Wilkos is an x cop an x marine. The purpose of the show is to help people with their problems, like your friend's. Have her call me at my toll free number 877-836-3413. Help will be on the way.
Sincerely,
Julia
NBC Universal
877-836-3413

best answer I can give is first of all be supportive and talk to the individual and try to convince them that you are there to help and that there are programs out there without anyone knowing about it

Getting someone to acknowledge their bipolar disorder?

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