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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

bipolar relative getting worse

7 replies

Temphelp · 25/08/2019 14:07

Hi Mumsnet, I am really hoping you guys can give some helpful advice regarding a bipolar relative. Trying to minimise details but will be as open as I can be.

Relative is a middle aged man (nearing 50) and suffers from bipolar disorder. He suffers highs and lows but the highs are exceptionally bad. Physically harassing and abusing his wife and threatening her, kids and rest of us family members. Saying horrible things like how he hates us, doesn’t care about us, we can do whatever and he won’t stop, etc. It’s distressing harassment but it’s clear he isn’t in the right frame of mind. When he’s medicated and not having a manic episode, he is an exceptionally kind, caring and sweet person. This manic personality is like the complete opposite, it’s scary.

Can he be forcibly sectioned/medicated?

The police was called on him by us relatives but they said they can’t do anything unless he’s actually committed a crime or hurt someone. We DONT want to wait for that to happen. He’s dangerous but also vulnerable.

What can we do? Can anyone actually help the family? If not the police, who do we speak to?

Thank u in advance

OP posts:
Tillygetsit · 25/08/2019 14:18

I have a relative with a serious mental illness who also has episodes so I totally understand how difficult it gets. Big hug to you all. Is his wife ok with getting him sectioned? As his next of kin she can talk to his doctor about arranging an assessment. It's tough and feels horrible but best for all of you in the long run. PM me if you'd like to x

dollydaydream114 · 25/08/2019 14:22

The police was called on him by us relatives but they said they can’t do anything unless he’s actually committed a crime or hurt someone.

But you said he is physically abusing his wife. So he has committed a crime and he has hurt someone.

Temphelp · 25/08/2019 16:24

It’s basically her word against his and the police haven’t been particularly helpful, even though we even have text messages and recordings of him harassing family members.

OP posts:
Temphelp · 25/08/2019 16:26

He also claims he will be travelling to Spain next week (to see other family members) but I don’t think he is in any state to travel and I worry what he would do if those family members upset him (by trying to calm him down or make him see sense). Is there no way he can be stopped from travelling if he’s mentally unwell?

OP posts:
Temphelp · 25/08/2019 18:26

Any advice? Really desperate for help Sad

OP posts:
IAskTooManyQuestions · 25/08/2019 18:33

Can he be forcibly sectioned/medicated?

If he has capacity, then it would be unusual to section. Forcing medication is a whole different ball game, we all have the right to choose to make decision, and some of those decisions might be unwise, but so long as we understand the consequences, then unwise decision (like not taking medication) is perfectly legal

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/sectioning/about-sectioning/#.XWLFlXdFx9A.

IsobelRae23 · 25/08/2019 18:41

Contact his CPN or psychiatrist.

I have bipolar, when I get manic, I have never been abusive etc. I end up making plans, spend load of money, wanting to start businesses, having a very clean and tidy house, and not sleeping, and I’m really happy!

So I take an anti psychotic, that makes me sleep and eventually lowers my mood, on top of my daily lithium which I always take and never miss a dose.

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