I don't know how much I really want to go into what happened yesterday...but I am asking for peoples knowledge of Bi Polar disorder.
As everyone knows, BB and I rent our upstairs unit to a bunch of college kids and the rent pays our mortgage.
Yesterday one of my tenants came into my downstairs unit in a trance like state and then proceeded to do some really scary things. I was home at the time and I am fine, but the incident had me a little panicked and confused.
I actually thought he was on some type of new designer drug, and so I ran outside and screamed for one of the other tenants to come and help me. The police were called and there was quite a bit of activity here.
Apparently- the boy is bi polar and is uncertain whether he needs his medication. I'm not completely clear if he always, sometimes or never takes his medication- but I was told that an 'episode' comes on every 5-6 months and the other 3 roomates kind of band together to watch him and control him. The episode takes 2-3 days to 'come on' (where he acts more and more bizaar) then there is 1-2 days of fledged craziness and then it passes. The boy was not able to be contained yesterday because 2 of the roomates have gone home for summer break and the remaining roomate did what he could but it wasnt enough.
So the cops came and took him to a mental institution until the parents could get down here from Michigan. From what I hear, the boy will have no memory of anything that happened.
So of course my friends who heard about the incident all broke out stories of people they knew who are bi polar and were dangerous. Stories of family members trying to hurt or kill other family members. My friends want me to kick the boy out of the house.
The boy is a good kid. He's responcible, he has a job,(or did- though I doubt Home Depot would be willing to overlook his absence over the last few days) pays his bills, never causes any problems. His episodes are something his 3 roomates are willing to put up with- so I think asking the boy to leave might be undeserved punishment. I would think that if his own roomates are willing to deal with this- I should be willing to deal too. Asking him to move out would just increase his problems and possibly place him alone or with people who are not able to handle his episodes- leading to more problems for him.
I thought bi-polar was only about depression/mania...so sleepy depression and then lots of activity. This boy was kind of tranced out, not talking at all but answering questions in a yes/no format, not really following social norms, forgetful, impulsive, and seemed to forget that clothing is not optional- its required!
I guess I am wondering about how often 'dangerous' traits are found in bi polar people. I just want to be sure he wont get more aggressive the next episode. He was manageable this time around...I don't know. His roommate was very helpful in providing me with knowledge but I worry maybe I got the toned down version to not alarm me or to not be responsible for me kicking him out.
So I think I am looking for words of encouragement. I am looking to hear that there are different levels of bi polar and he doesn't sound like the dangerous type. I want to keep him here- but I dont want him breaking into my unit, or setting the house on fire, or pulling a weapon on anyone.
Bi Polar experiences??
June 29th, 2009 at 01:26 am
June 29th, 2009 at 01:51 am 1246240317
June 29th, 2009 at 01:54 am 1246240482
June 29th, 2009 at 02:48 am 1246243731
June 29th, 2009 at 01:03 pm 1246280592
June 29th, 2009 at 02:14 pm 1246284893
The people I know refuse to take medication in the first place, but they don't have "episodes" that you describe. Though I certainly wouldn't be surprised if any of them ended up hurting themselves (have plenty of times in the past).
I think it's very good to be aware of (going forward) but I personally think it's a little but of paranoia as far as every bi-polar person being extremely dangerous.
June 29th, 2009 at 03:07 pm 1246288042
I could go on and on with all of her symptoms but it would be a novel and I love her too much to provide too much info over the internet. But I can say I will never forget how she stops rush-hour traffic one day, and she got out of the car and started screaming at some people while I was slinking my head down in the car(I was super young at the time).
Turns out that you cannot give some people with bi-polar Prozac, but rather lithium. It all depends on what other medication they take as well. Prozac and anti-depressant made my mother’s bi-polar symptoms even more magnified. But she also had high blood pressure, diabetes and some heart condition that requires other form of medications.
She is super lovely woman who is under control with the help of the correct medications now.
June 29th, 2009 at 03:08 pm 1246288092
I could go on and on with all of her symptoms but it would be a novel and I love her too much to provide too much info over the internet. But I can say I will never forget how she stops rush-hour traffic one day, and she got out of the car and started screaming at some people while I was slinking my head down in the car(I was super young at the time).
Turns out that you cannot give some people with bi-polar Prozac, but rather lithium. It all depends on what other medication they take as well. Prozac and anti-depressant made my mother’s bi-polar symptoms even more magnified. But she also had high blood pressure, diabetes and some heart condition that requires other form of medications.
She is super lovely woman who is under control with the help of the correct medications now.
June 29th, 2009 at 04:46 pm 1246294018
June 29th, 2009 at 05:16 pm 1246295817
I would think if the roomies are young (guessing here) you might want to suggest some consistent therapy it can be done without pills (at the least a Dr would be tracking the episodes and try to find triggers/minimize damage.
June 29th, 2009 at 09:37 pm 1246311471
I agree that going forward I will be much more aware around him but I'm willing to give him another shot. He has been taken to a mental institution until his parents can get him and hopefully that will teach him to take his meds.
June 29th, 2009 at 10:35 pm 1246314942
June 29th, 2009 at 10:58 pm 1246316337
Depending on the laws in your state, kicking him out might be a discrimination issue with respect to protections for the disabled. (Mental illness is sometimes protected just as a physical disability would be.)
June 29th, 2009 at 11:37 pm 1246318633
June 30th, 2009 at 01:26 am 1246325215
From what you've said, what I would probably do is ask his permission to talk to his doctor and/or pschologist just about his behaviour. if he gives you permission, that's a good start. i would just want to find out if his behaviour has EVER been forceful or aggresive, or if they believe it could be leading to that, or ever will in the future. then you can base an informed decision on that advice.