How to Get a Bipolar to Take His Meds

Many people with bipolar disorder need medication to remain stable and healthy, but they're sometimes resistant to the idea of taking medication. One common concern is that medication will take the "edge" off of your personality; people with bipolar disorder are often creative and eccentric and fear that being medicated will change that. People who are taking medication may stop taking it once they begin to feel better, mistakenly believing they no longer need it. Whatever the reason for resistance, with encouragement you can help.

Instructions

• 1

  Be positive. Talk about the things he's accomplished and how good he feels when he's taking his medication.

• 2

  If she's concerned that taking medication will change her personality, remind her of the fun you have when she's taking it, and that she's still the same person.

• 3

  Be honest. If he doesn't do well at things that are important to him when he's off his medication, point that out. Let him know he's a better parent, employee and friend when he's on his medication.

• 4

  If you take medication, ask her to remind you to take yours when she takes hers. If she feels you're helping each other, she may be more likely to take her medication. She may also feel better about needing medication if she knows you take something as well.

• 5

  Offer to accompany him to the doctor so you can help him remember to ask about things like side effects and how long the medication will take to work. Later, if he has concerns, you can address them based on what you learned.

• 6

  If remembering to take the medication is the problem, and not resistance to the medication itself, help the person set a reminder on his phone or watch. When the alarm goes off, he should take his medication. For a younger person, having him mark off the date on a calendar each day when he takes his meds may help. Hang the calendar or a chart in a prominent place close to where the medication is kept, like in the bathroom or on the refrigerator door.

• 7

  For children and teens, give them permission to fudge the truth a little. Kids may be embarrassed to take medicine for a mood disorder in front of their friends, but may be more willing if you allow them to say it's for something like migraines.

• 8

  If she is in crisis---a severe manic or depressive phase---and you're afraid her life is in danger and she won't take her medication, you may need to have her hospitalized. She will be put back on medication at the hospital, and the staff there can arrange for services that will ensure she gets help remembering to take her medication and attend therapy.