Getting someone to acknolege 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:
Seems like a tough situation. I think your friend has to understand that mental illness is NOT a sign of weakness; nobody gets to choose whether or not they are affected to it, its just one of nature's ways.

Having a mental illness doesn't mean you're going crazy or whatever, it just means that there's something in your brain which isn't letting it run as efficiantly as it could.

Explain to him the benifits which could come from getting help, these benifits are sure to out weigh the way he's feeling at the moment without help.

Getting someone to acknolege their bipolar disorder?

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