Question 1 :

 Bipolar sister needs to be commited?!?

I’m very worried about my younger sister’s mental health. I’m beginning to think a trip to the psychiatric ward would be very effective upon her behavior. She has very severe Bipolar disorder, and it’s only getting worse. Her psychologist put her on a medication for it, but it’s not getting any better. She also has Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD, and Insomnia. Her doctor has her on 100 mg of Trazodone for sleep and she’s on Lexapro for her Anxiety disorder. She used to be scared of a lot of stuff before Lexapro. She would have nightmares, and wake up sweating. She was horribly afraid of vampires, demons, the slender man, and what she described as “a tall man, walking like a spider.” She would cry herself to sleep, and claim she saw these things. She’s always worrying, and is very socially anxious. She isn’t a social butterfly, but is very pretty, and is liked by everybody. She’s horribly afraid of what people think of her. She currently has a boyfriend, who said he liked one of the “scene/emo” hairstyles. She went out and changed herself drastically just in hopes that he would like her more. She’s very easily upsetted, and she fights. If I say anything with a touch of an attitude, she goes off. She has a violent outburst. She screams, cusses, hits, kicks, throws things, and says she hopes she dies in her sleep. She’s told me of suicidal, and homicidal thoughts, but said she couldn’t ever do either of those, because she’s scared to, and the police would lock her up. She’s always been jealous of our younger brother, because he gets treated differently than us. She hits him, pinches him, and bites him. She makes him feel bad, and tells him she hates him. He’s only seven. Again, she’s manic-depressive, and about six months ago stopped cutting herself, and be can taking her eyelash curlers, holding them over a lighter until they are red hot, and singes her arm. She has multiple scars on her wrists. She tries to cover her troubles positive lies. She tells people she volunteers at places. She tells that she donates to the homeless. She tries to cover up her flaws. She’s only fourteen, I’m very worried. HELP!

Answers (6)

·         Answerer 1

Commitment sounds like a very good idea. Another thing that I noticed about your question is that your sister is on Lexapro. Lexapro is an antidepressant and antidepressants can make a bipolar person’s condition worsen. Definitely get her some help and ask the doctor to re-evaluate her medication.

·         Answerer 2

Hi there
You are obviously concerned for your sister. Is there a chance of speaking to her doctor? Or her GP who referred her to the psychiatrist?Confidentiality issues are complicated but you could express your concern. I wonder if you are receiving all the support you need? There are lots of worries you are carrying around and maybe if you shared those with a trained professional counsellor or therapist, you would feel more capable of getting through this difficult time with your sister.

·         Answerer 3

Is your sister not being treated with any bipolar medications at all? She should be seen by a psychiatrist, and her bipolar evaluated. In the meantime, talk to your parents about your concerns. Surely your parents have noticed her behavior. Your parents can always take her to the emergency room if she gets out of control. She’ll get some psychiatric help then.

·         Answerer 4

Well, she needs to see her doctor and get her medication checked. They will be able to decide if she needs inpatient treatment. If she’s in danger of hurting herself and there’s no other option, she needs to get to hospital/ER/accident & emergency etc. If she sees a psychologist – can she contact them? is there a phone number she has been given for emergencies? You need help from professionals not randoms on Yahoo Answers (not to be mean, but seriously…)

·         Answerer 5

You need to tell your parents, you have the right to be worried. If you think she’s going to be mad at you, you’re going to have to do it privately, but it’s for her own good. I’ve been there, the whole “I’m-not-going-to-kill-myself-I’m-afraid… thing? It can easily change to trying to kill yourself. And the fact that she’s stopped cutting but started burning is worrisome too, she hasn’t really stopped hurting herself she’s just found another way. I know you love your sister, but step up to the plate and tell someone, anyone, or call 911. If you think it would be effective take the chance, in my opinion, I think it’s what she needs. Perhaps you can get on the line with her therapist or psychiatrist and talk to them and tell them what’s going on as well, maybe she doesn’t need a trip to the psychiatric ward but an adjustment of medication. Good luck.

      Answerer 6

At 14, she is a minor. All your parents have to do is call her mental health physician and tell the doctor that they wish to admit her for psychiatric evaluation and medical management. The arrangements will be made and your parents will be told which hospital to bring her to and sign her in.
She can be admitted for self harm. That is sufficient for her to be admitted. She will be able to go to school while at the hospital and will be discharged as soon as she is regulated on medication and she is bette