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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by henrietta on August 3, 2009, at 21:07:10
In recent days I've gained an appreciation of what Babble can be to those in serious need, but I'm losing that sense again.
Mania, true mania, can destroy families, careers, can bankrupt you, can render you homeless. In just a week or two. I've seen all this happen in my own family. Chamomile tea don't get it. Deep breathing don't cut it.
Watching recent events here I've thought---God, yes! Here's a place where there can be compassion and forgiveness for a soul in the grip of this terrible, rampaging hurricane that can destroy so much in so short a time.
I know it's hard for people who have never experienced or witnessed true mania in loved ones to understand the tornadic, vicious power of this state. All I ask is that you try to reserve judgment a bit, and extend your compassion to the sticking point.
Thank you.
Posted by Deneb on August 3, 2009, at 21:15:48
In reply to Mania, posted by henrietta on August 3, 2009, at 21:07:10
It's not just mania that can destroy a life. I think many of us are suffering greatly here. I know I was. I wonder if people can be more compassionate for all disorders, mania included.
Posted by Kath on August 3, 2009, at 21:37:55
In reply to Mania, posted by henrietta on August 3, 2009, at 21:07:10
I don't know if this refers to my suggestion of warm milk & was he interested in alternative methods. (I didn't mention breathing.)
I didn't mean to belittle anyone's problems. I've never experienced mania & was glad to have it pointed out to me how intense it is.
Kath
Posted by Phillipa on August 3, 2009, at 23:53:05
In reply to Re: Mania » henrietta, posted by Kath on August 3, 2009, at 21:37:55
Henrietta oh I appreciate it as my deceased ex father in law was bipolar. I'll never forget when he chopped down all the palm trees in his yard living in florida then, threw money all over the floor from gambling, treated his wife horribly the swearing the rages the acquisations, and blamed it on her, he would disappear for two weeks at a time usually for him when he'd decide he needed to lose weight and went off his meds. He hid guns in our house, went through our drawers and closets, accused our children of things they had never done and he didn't live with us. And then my poor mother in law would get the phone call from him that he'd crashed and then he'd sit in a stupor not moving or eating for weeks. Thank fully meds are better today and new ones can help the manic recover more quickly. Also loss of money, and the up all night. Terrible disease. So I emphatize and will help anyone with bipolar all I can. Love Phillipa and thanks for the reminder. Time when the strong meds definitely needed. And the poor person wants so much to be able to sleep and stop their mind from racing from thought to thought.
Posted by SLS on August 4, 2009, at 6:24:42
In reply to Re: Mania » henrietta, posted by Kath on August 3, 2009, at 21:37:55
> I've never experienced mania & was glad to have it pointed out to me how intense it is.
My parents would much rather have me severely depressed and glued to a couch staring at the wall and mute than to become manic, even though mania is much less painful for me.
- Scott
Posted by henrietta on August 4, 2009, at 6:49:55
In reply to Re: Mania » henrietta, posted by Kath on August 3, 2009, at 21:37:55
No, I didn't mean you especially, Kath. You were very kind and thoughtful with Phil. I just know that it can be difficult to understand the intensity if you haven't experienced it. Phillipa's description is very vivid and true. It's also true that mania feels a lot better than depression --- at first. And Deneb, of course all conditions deserve compassion, but at the moment I'm talking about this particular one.
Posted by Phil on August 4, 2009, at 6:57:59
In reply to Mania, posted by henrietta on August 3, 2009, at 21:07:10
It ain't much fun. : (
Posted by Kath on August 4, 2009, at 11:17:17
In reply to Re: Mania » Kath, posted by henrietta on August 4, 2009, at 6:49:55
Thx for letting me know, Henrietta.
:-) Kath
Posted by BayLeaf on August 4, 2009, at 15:50:00
In reply to Re: Mania » Kath, posted by henrietta on August 4, 2009, at 6:49:55
People I know with severe bipolar, who when well are wonderful, ethical people, when unmedicated will actually do illegal things when manic....shoplifting, seeing prostitutes, illegal gambling, public lewdness, and worse. It's a really difficult illness to control. It difficult for the patient and sometimes for their families.
This is NOT TO SAY THAT EVERYONE who is bipolar commits crimes!! No!!! Not true!!! Just to say, that I deal with some who do. And when they get back on their meds, they are astounded at what has happened. It's an amazing disorder. My heart aches for those in this struggle.
Bay
Posted by Phillipa on August 4, 2009, at 20:22:00
In reply to Re: Mania » henrietta, posted by BayLeaf on August 4, 2009, at 15:50:00
So true as had many manic patients in hospital as patients and wonderful people. Love Phillipa
Posted by olivepit on August 5, 2009, at 22:34:34
In reply to Mania, posted by henrietta on August 3, 2009, at 21:07:10
> I know it's hard for people who have never experienced or witnessed true mania in loved ones to understand the tornadic, vicious power of this state. All I ask is that you try to reserve judgment a bit, and extend your compassion to the sticking point.
> Thank you.I may not be totally up to speed on what this is about but Its also hard for people to know what is happening over text. we lose body language and jsut the visual aspect of social interaction here and its tough to judge meaning from just word sometimes. And if you aren't familar with a particular person's style etc its tough to know whats going on. I personally am very familiar with mania, but over a message board I would never expect someone reading to be able to know whether someone was manic if those people didn't know them quite well. And jsut becuase someone doesn't catch that... doesn't mean there is a lack of compassion. you know?
And good post Deneb
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