In my previous blog post, I explained that Anosognosia is a condition related to Bipolar when the person with the brain disorder acts recklessly during a manic episode. Their judgment is impaired and they more than likely will blame others by refusing to take responsibility.
This is a huge stressor for individuals with family or friends who are Bipolar and untreated. It may also be a problem even if the person is receiving medication, but there is a way to correct this situation painlessly. It will require efforts by all members, too.
According to the experts, the best way to correct Anosognosia is to have a plan and stick to it. When a person is acting out recklessly, you should make sure the environment is as safe as possible and remove yourself from the environment if need be. Then place a call to your local police department or Crisis Center for professional help right away.
In creating a plan, listen to what the individual explains as the reasons that may have triggered his or her behavior. Explain to the individual the negative consequences to that behavior such as physical injury to an innocent person by driving recklessly or acceptable social behavior respectfully (i.e., "You just cannot go around cussing folks out and expect they will not react to your behavior and this led to the fight in the parking lot--- don't laugh).
Now, in creating a plan, you can both agree that if the person with Bipolar is unhappy with handling transactions in a store, that personwill contact you immediately for your assistance. It will be agreed that both of you will handle the problem together and only when you are together.
Another suggestion is that people who experience Anosognosia often shop recklessly. This can lead to bounced checks and legal problems. Discuss this with your loved one and decide on how the finances will be handled in the future. Explain that each member of the household has a responsibility financially to run the household and then help the person set up a personal budget based on their needs. I cannot emphasize enough that this is beneficial to everyone when a person is struggling to maintain their dignity. Nobody wants to fail. Then why do people with Bipolar and Anosognosia spend recklessly?
I don't know all the answers; however, when a manic mood occurs, you can easily believe that you have money (rich, famous, grandiose, etc.). It is a belief and not a thought. The difference is like your religious belief does not change and you hold strong to what you believe. You may have thoughts that you analize and dismiss if you are capable of doing so. So, a person with Bipolar and experiencing Anosognosia believes they have the money and they will want to spend it without being told ""You can't because you do not have any money." As you probably know if you have been in this situation, that only makes the person lash out accusing everyone of stealing their money, etc.
Now you better understand what is going on. What can you do in the misdt of this situation?
1) Seek medical attention by contacting your loved one's doctor, an organization supports and services such as NAMI, or going to an emergency room if you do not already have a plan. If there is a medical situation, go immediately to a nearby hospital.
2) In normal circumstances where no physical harm or danger exists, make a promise to your loved one that in one week (or two, etc.) you will go shopping. Make a list with your loved one of all the things he or she wants to purchase. Be sure that during that one-week time your loved one is taking medications as prescribed and you have scheduled a doctor's appointment.
3) Attend meetings for both you and your loved one for supports and services to learn ways of coping and managing the experience.
4) As you begin to see the person's mood stabilize (and it should by the time you are ready to shop), tweak with the shopping list with your loved one. This will also allow you to see stabiization happening as they are able to see they do not have money for a car and will be willing to take that item off the list.
So, there are ways to correct Anosognosia and the best way is to hae a plan already in place. Remember everybody is diferent and different things work for different people. Stay in touch with your support network and remember to take time out for yourself for spiritual rejuvenation.
Happy Palm Sunday!:)
Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness at
www.nami.org Visit the American Association of Pastoral Counselors at
www.aapc.org Visit African-American Doctors at National Medical Association at
www.net.org Agnes B. Levine, Founder/President of Levine-Oliver Publisher
Author of: "Cooling Well Water Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" (ISBN 13-0-978-9754612-0-4)
ON SALE NOW at
www.levineoliverpublisher.com and
www.amazon.com and Expressions Custom Framing and Books in Baltimore, Maryland.
Posted By: agnes levine
Saturday, April 4th 2009 at 9:24AM
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