I don't really know where to start so please bear with me.
My sister was diagnosed bipolar almost fifteen years ago. She has not had an episode requiring hospitalisation for almost eight years, during which time she's had three children.
After her initial diagnosis, her behaviour was erratic. She had about seven significant episodes where she was disinhibited, loose tongued, overly focused on music and art in an excessive and disturbing way, playing loud music in the dead of night, painting disturbing scenes, shutting all friends and family out and focusing on strangers, excessive spending, sexual and drug related behaviour that was out of character.
I remember that time as one of great sadness. It was a strain on everyone. She was hospitalised and hated it, blamed me, our other sister, our parents, she had some bad experiences in there. We were all devastated that she had to go in and had no idea what to do. She had one small child at that point and we all looked after him. Me and my partner moved in with her on one occasion to avert the need for hospitalisation. Each time she started displaying symptoms the protocol changed, it never seemed to be simple, and we had different people to ring or advise or alert. We were drowning trying to keep her safe and getting lost in the system.
She then seemed to go into some sort of remission but it is back now and getting worse. She has more awareness now than before, she has been asking for ages to go away to some sort of treatment centre to get better and rest and sort out her meds. But none of us have the money to fund this. She is seeing a specialist but they have prescribed meds and sent her off, and I'm not convinced she takes them as she should.
She has three small children and now one teenager and I'm concerned for them due to her erratic behaviour. She's fighting with her partner and it is a very sad household. My mum is close by and helps but is elderly and caring for my dad who is even more infirm.
I guess this is a fairly rambling call for help and advice. Is there such a thing as a treatment centre she could be referred to? Would it help? I'm scared she will be taken back into hospital which would destroy her. She is falling out with everyone she knows, getting more and more erratic, I don't see it getting better without something happening. Please, any help or advice would be welcome.