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Topic : 08/01 Extreme Highs and Lows

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Created on : Friday, March 03, 2006, 12:43:32 pm

Author : DrPhilBoard1

(Original Air Date: 03/07/06) Dr. Phil explores the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. This illness takes its victims on an emotional rollercoaster ride -- from elation to extreme irritability, intense rage, or devastating depression. First, Cathy was diagnosed with Bipolar II, 10 years ago and claims she goes from zero to psycho in 15 seconds. Dr. Phil takes a look at the toll her disorder takes on her two boys, and brings the family together for a dramatic moment of emotional healing. Then, during various manic episodes, Fred has stolen a taxi, crashed into a Starbucks, and climbed to the top of a church. He hears voices and believes that movie stars like Denzel Washington and Robert De Niro are talking to him through their movies. Still, Fred thinks he’s ready to move out of his parents’ house and live on his own for good … but should his family let him? Talk about the show here.

Find out what happened on the show.

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pdicken2

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March 7, 2006, 5:10 pm PST

03/07 Extreme Highs and Lows

Quote From: kpofm1

people with bi-polar syndrome are seen and treated as weak and fragile and we hate that. we are extremely smart and creative people which could be a key to helping this disorder due to the effects on the brain. we are educated (i have a medical license as a respiratory care pract. and my brother who also suffer is a lawyer. i have friends who suffer that are machanical engineers, mid wives, and ultrasound technicians). we are writers and managers and teachers.

but we are sick..just as if you have the flu. it just stays with us all the time. having to take medicine everyday, sometimes two and three times a day, is the blues. i still cry every night when i take the ones to put me to sleep and get depressed every morning when i have to take the ones to get me through the day because it reminds me that i am sick and no one besides me in my house understands why i do and say the things that i do.

i have suffered multiple events that have caused my disorder to reach the point that it has and bi-polar syndrome makes you re-live the emotions from them over and over again.

i personally have a hard time dealing with this disorder because i am a part of a group where most of the symptoms of being hypermanic are NOT acceptible. it is an everyday war to be what i'm suppose to be, when i am who i am. it is near impossible to be excepted as someone acting out acts that i can't control when it isn't considered "the norm".

i hope this helps someone realize that he/she is not alone.

Why are you part of a group where you are not accepted? Hypomania is one of the symptoms of Bipolar that we all must deal with at times. You are who you are & as long as you have your moods & emtions under control who are these people to tell you your not acceptable? We are not all round pegs that fit in round holes. Learn to celebrate the parts of you that makes you YOU. Do what you have to stay physically & mentally healthy & don't let others put you down for your Bipolar.

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grami323

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March 7, 2006, 5:14 pm PST

Change

Quote From: noalibis13

I'm thankful that my bestfriend called and told me to watch the show. I'm also bipolar. I cried, the first part because I knew how not only the mother felt but also how the children felt. I feel the same way. I just wished my psy. would listen to me more. Any one have any ideas how to get it through to your psy. how you feel when it comes to wanting to hurt your children? My son is 17. I don't see my psy. for another month, but they know my every thought, but I just don't know how to make them really, really listen.

Thanks you all,

noalibis13

Time for a new psy.

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wickadchic

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March 7, 2006, 5:18 pm PST

Maybe it is the answer....

Quote From: jebbyedan

My 20-year old son has been diagnosed as schizophrenic and bi-polar. He has made our lives miserable for the last 5 years. He has totally torn up our then new house, holes in the walls, doors slammed so hard the sheetrock broke and the frames broke, windows broken out, stair rails missing, large screen tv 52" has two holes in it where remote was thrown, his tv was thrown over the railing upstairs and hit the credenza downstairs and ruined it, door torn off microwave, broke windows out of his car on purpose in the meantime hitting my brand new car and denting it. He said that didn't count against him since he wasn't trying to hit my car, only beat the H _ _ _ out of his. Has traded everything of value of his for drugs. I'm scared to death of him but keep hoping he might get control before he ruins his life or kills one of us. He is on medication, but refuses to take it. He uses everything as a manipulative tool against us. Give me money or I will tear the house up even more, "would you rather I do $500 damage or give me $20", is his common saying. My husband and I are both spineless. When I finally got the nerve to call the sheriff, they said there was nothing they could do until we kick him out and file a restraining order. They saw the crashed tv and broken windows and doors and holes in the wall, but they said the tv was in his room and was considered his, and he could what he wanted with it. I certainly feel sorry for anyone who is bi-polar. My son is depressed, has learning disabilities and sees no future for himself, frankly, neither do I. I don't know how to help him but I don't think kicking him out to the streets is an answer.

I know you love your son but you have to love yourself enough to not allow your person to be endangered. Being bipolar does not abjegate a person from being responsible for their actions. He knows he is bipolar, he knows he should be taking medication - his choice to not take his medication perhaps should come with the consequence of his not being allowed to live in your home.

Just some thoughts. Please take with however much salt is needed - lol.

Wickad

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imalive

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March 7, 2006, 5:18 pm PST

03/07 Extreme Highs and Lows

I was diagnosed with bi polar about six years ago, and that first year was complete hell. I totally isolated myself, and was at the very, very bottom of depressed that you could possibly be. I tried killing myself numerous times. At times it was like I was watching myself and trying to figure out how I could get out of it, why am I stuck in this state? So I enjoyed the show however I feel that it only portrayed two kinda of bi polar in a sense where Kathy was uncontrollably angry, and Fred was quite delusional. Neither really mentioned depression which is how I felt and a huge part of what I went through. I strongly feel that this side should be talked about as well; weather it be me, or someone similar to me. Thank you

Meghan

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cherylouwh

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March 7, 2006, 5:19 pm PST

I can relate

To the children, since my mother is/could be bi-polar or at least borderline personality. She said all the same things to me as I was growing up. And she was violent as well. I really hope she gets help, but more importantly I hope the children get counseling. It's taken years to get over the abuse for me and I'm still working on it.

But what made me shocked was 'Fred'. If you read on the internet about Fred's 'accident' running into Starbucks, it's obvious Fred should really never live alone, nor should he be able to drive an automobile. He not only ran into the Starbucks once, but came back and rammed it again. I sympathize with him, but his disease makes him unsuitable to drive. Just as if I had really bad eyesight I wouldn't / shouldn't be allowed to drive, neither should Fred. I only hope Fred doesn't get out on his own. He needs more help.

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rolrcostr

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March 7, 2006, 5:22 pm PST

UR COURAGEOUS

Quote From: amalina52

In answer to your wanting to know if you could possibly pass it on you can. My husband had a sister (she died last year at age 54) who had it and suffered many years from her late teens. She died in her sleep from an obstructed throat and nothing to do with this. Anyway, I have two sons in their twenty's with Bipolar 1 with schizoaffective disorder. One is in jail for the last 11 months for not taking meds and getting in a car while manic and killing a woman when he broadsided her car. I have another son who experiences very little due to his meds and sleeping all of the time. He is 28. Ask me anything you want to know.

I was touched by your story. I am a Bi Polar Person too. I am so happy you have found a balance. I am still trying to get there myself. Just call me a Bi Polar Bear woman...you can email me at elena_morningstar@hotmail.com

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tickletoes

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March 7, 2006, 5:22 pm PST

liveing with b-polar

I have lived with b-polar my whole life. My sister. I beleive the problem was always there. Manifested as she turned older. We are now in our 40's. She has been properly dianosed and is now fairly stable and on meds. I have seen the extreams. It is hard to live with, however it must be even harder to be the one to have it. I beleive it is hereitary. I feel my grandmother had it and self medicated with alcahole. My neice, one of my sons..........mental disorders do tend to run in families. to educate oneself is the best weapon. I am not finding the right words.

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margie420

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March 7, 2006, 5:23 pm PST

bipolar

i have a daughter thats 20 years old.she has had the bipolar since she was 2 years old. i have delt with alot of things with her .in the past 5 five years she had hit me want to kill me had broken up my new house.at 19 i had to have her put out of my house .the reason for that was i had to go for brain sugery. i have not been to good since then and now all she does is call me and give me problems . since she was put out which was 7 months ago .all she want to be with is guys and sleep with them . she is driving me crazy. i dont know what to do anymore with this kid of mine please help me . thank you margie

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biplr7

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March 7, 2006, 5:25 pm PST

Bi-polar Saved My Life

Quote From: deedaree

    II was finally diagnosed with bi-polar last year, after many years of being treated for anxiety, panic attacks, manic depression, etc.
    I am apalled at todays show of what b-polar is! Now when people find out I suffer from bi-polar they can picture me as an awful Mother, abusive, and hearing voices!
    I even had told me husband and Mom what the topic was going to be, that maybe I could learn something I didn't know! Well, yeah, boy did I!
    I learned that Cathy is a selfish woman who doesn't give a crap about others! If she did she would take her medication and have therapy!
    Before I got on the medications I take now, we had to go through trial and error. One made my tongue swell (effects about 1%), one made me start lactating (effects about 1%) and one made me gain 25 pounds but I stayed with it and went to a counsellor and physchiatrist!! But, for the love of my husband, children and anyone who deals with me, I stick with whatever can help me.
    I still suffer manic stages, depression, and am constantly tired, but I am a better person to be around when someone comes by. I still seldomly like to go out anywhere and refuse to go out alone.
    I am so sickened to think what people now think of us "crazy" people that live each day with bi-polar
    I sincerely hope Dr. Phil will do another show on bi-polar and people like me!

I agree that Dr. Phil needs to consider another episode that focuses on the positives of bi-polar. The key is medication. I have had to start setting alarms on my cell phone to help me remember when I need to take my next dose.

I was diagnosed four years ago and I lost a job and marriage immediately after the diagnosis. I remember when I was given the diagnosis I felt like a reject, a 'psycho', completely hopeless, and was just given a death sentence. I now find my self to be a professionally successful single mother. I even won a custody battle with my son and was awarded primary physical custody.

It has become my new passion to educate people the best way I know how about bi-polar. I have even decided to put a license plate on my car that says 'BIPLR'. Of course I get questions about it, but people are open to talking about it, and more often than not I meet a person who is bipolar or knows somebody with it. In a weird sort of way I am very proud and thankful to have bi-polar because it has offered me a new outlook and opportunity in life. It is my strong desire that so many other people with bipolar are able to find their balance and strength to stick with it. As is evident with the airing of this show and this message board, bi-polar people are not in the minority! This condition should not be treated as a taboo subject any longer.

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kathleenii