A psychology expert is reminding anyone living with a loved one suffering from a severe mental illness to reach out to others for help.
It comes after reality TV star Kim Kardashian West shared a message urging society to show her husband Kanye West “compassion and empathy” while he struggles with bi-polar disorder.
The rapper recently announced plans to run for president and posted several messages on social media in recent days that led to concerns about his mental health.
On Lunchtime Live this afternoon, Brendan Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin said episodic illnesses like bi-polar can be extremely difficult for all involved.
“With bi-polar disorder, when someone is elated, when their mood is elevated, it does tend to involve unpredictable behaviours, disinhibited behaviours and really behaviour that is incredibly difficult for family members, partners, friends and co-workers to deal with at times,” he said.
“It can greatly exceed what we are accustomed to dealing with in our family members and it is a huge source of distress for families and often for the person themselves – particularly after the episode is over.”
Treatment
He said bi-polar disorder is a “very treatable” condition; however, problems arise when a loved one refuses help.
“Partners and families often feel powerless in this situation and often shocked and confused,” he said.
“They need to remember a few important things. The first one is that they can help someone greatly by remaining calm, keeping the channels of communication open and by being supportive in as far as possible.”
An Instagram message from Kim Kardashian West about her husband Kanye West’s life with bi-polar disorder, 22-07-2020. Image: InstagramProfessor Kelly said there are certain situations where someone can be treated without their consent, “simply because they are so ill, they have lost insight into their own condition or they present an immediate risk to themselves or others.”
“One of the strategies people can use for an episodic illness that comes and goes is to make a clear crisis plan with the person when they are well – so that if they become unwell again there will be an agreed course of action,” he said.
“That can sometimes help when the person is unwell and you bring up the plan that you made earlier.
“Also, if people lose the mental capacity to make decisions, it can help if they have an advanced care plan, which is an agreement with a doctor or nurse about how they will be treated. Future planning can help.”
Mental health
He said it is essential to look after your own mental health if you are supporting a loved one experiencing difficulties.
“People with severe mental illness, who have severe episodes, often value a medium level of support from families that is constant rather than a lot of support during the crisis and then not being there when things are OK,” he said.
“A steady level of medium support is what works best and also, looking after your own mental health and taking a step back when necessary is vital, otherwise you are just not going to be able to help the person the next time around.”
File photo of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, 24-01-2015. Image: Olivier Douliery/ABACAPRESS.COMIn her post, Kardashian West wrote: “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, know how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”
“Those that understand mental illness or even compulsive behaviour know that the family is powerless unless the member is a minor.
“People who are unaware of, or far removed from this experience can be judgmental and not understand that the individual themselves has to engage in the process of getting help no matter how hard family and friends try.”
She urged society to show her family the “compassion and empathy” they need to get through this latest episode.
Professor Kelly said it is “Incredibly important and helpful” for people living with mental illness to connect with others who have had similar experiences.
He said the Aware website and MentalHealthIreland.ie both offer excellent supports.
