I am very confused about bipolar?

I am very confused about bipolar.My husband is diagonised by psycharist with manic-depressive mental illness (Bipolar) but he doesnot believes that he has mental illness and doesnot take medications. Even I was amazed to know that he has a mental problem. He is very spendthrift, doesnot save at all even for emergency future expenses, bankrupt, has lots of ideas/ plans to do various businesses (I feel he should stick to a few ideas, for easy management and concentration), take risks, no follow up actions of his plans most of the time, very very very religious. I can sense he is not as normal in behaviour as others, but at the same time framing him as a mentally ill person is hard for me to believe. Is he really having a problem? In that case how to make him understand his problem and go for regular medication. What will happen if he doesnot take medications at all.I am very confused. Kindly help

A lot of people are offended by the idea of having mental problems, which is why many of those people do not take medications. It's scary thinking that there could be something "wrong" with them, and people believe if they are classified as bipolar, they might as well be classified as schizophrenic. The reality is simply because someone is bipolar does not mean they are no longer "normal." I have family members who are bipolar, but I do not view them in any different light than my non-bipolar family members.

The best thing that you can do is educate yourself about the disorder. It's a chemical imbalance which creates the mood disorder, not based on situations, etc.

Mania is a state which you described about your husband-making elaborate plans, not thinking about the future, etc. During manic episodes people tend to become extremely excited, but this doesn't mean it's a pleasant state to be in. The person can become irritated and angry at the drop of a hat, for no particular reason.

Everyone has highs and lows, but a sufferer of bipolar disorder has them more dramatically and extensively than the average person. Being there to help him through these is important, but the only way you can help completely is by explaining to him that counseling and medication may be one of his greatest options.

If he does not take medications at all, he will continue to simply act like he does not. Sadly though, if he has a severe depressed state, you cannot deny the idea that he could attempt suicide, or do harm to himself. Once again, I've had loved ones attempt this. Having his mood "stabilized" on medication does not mean he will be emotionless, but he will have a lower risk of becoming manic or depressed. Since this is true, he may take better care of finances, and focus on one aspect of his career at a time.

I would suggest talking to his therapist one-on-one so he can explain how you should broach the subject with him. I wish you the best.

Manic depressive disorder is where someone has periods of mania or racing thoughts and hurried activity, needing to do something all the time. Then they will crash and become very isolated and depressed for a time. A lot of people I know with this disorder turn to drugs or alcohol to make them feel "normal" or on an even playing field. If this is the case it can be very problematic. Get him into a good therapist and try to be supportive but firm.

He needs the meds to find out what he would be like when he was in control. A lot of bipolars do excellent with meds and stop then go off and do extreme things again. It is a lifelong thing that always needs meds. Everything you stated is clear indication of bipolar. Will any of his friends, family or church members help you have an intervention and point out how much he needs help. Good luck because he will be hard to live with and it takes more than a saint to tolerate the ups and downs of bipolar.

The deep mood swings of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months, causing great disturbances in the lives of those affected, and those of family and friends, too. Today, a growing volume of research suggests that bipolar disorder occurs across a spectrum of symptoms, and that many people aren't correctly diagnosed. Left untreated, bipolar disorder generally worsens, and the suicide rate is high among those with bipolar disorder. But with effective treatment, you can live an enjoyable and productive life despite bipolar disorder.

http://www.cchr.org/media/pdfs/Bipolar_F...

You are right to be surprised that he was diagnosed.
The percentage of people diagnosed as mentally ill equates to the percentage of people who have seen psychiatrists (in their "professional" capacity).

I have never, EVER heard of someone going to a psychiatrist and being told "you do not have a mental imbalance and do not need any psychiatric drugs." Have you?

Anyway, the fact sheet that I linked should help.

alot of ppl with bi polar spend all their money and have too many ideas on the go etc, but this doesnt mean he definately has manic depression just because of this. he might have it but not realise and not want to take his medicine?? it might be best to get a second opinion, and if this dr says he has bi polar then you must ensure he takes his medicine or he wont get better

I can help you on your questions because I have BI-Polar, but I take meds. Sounds like your husband doesn't take meds but he need to badly. He is in the Manic phase now, he has grandiose ideas and spends money like its water on things he doesn't need. He thinks he is superman but in all reality, hes just blowin and a going nowhere. He has got to go to a Dr. and get meds, especially lithium. After a period of time it will build up in his blood and settle him down. Of coarse their is a flip side to this and that is the downer-dark side, if he falls into this you really have to watch him because it is worse than the manic side by far, at least that is my experience. The dark side is only reversed by excresise, getting out socially and getting those brain chemicals reproducing again.

I didn't believe i had it either but he will feel the same way if he didn't take his meds