As a sister of someone with bi-polar disorder, it was very helpful to read what a manic episode is like from a family member's perspective. Thank you, Jenna, for that. Psychiatrists treat the patient but don't offer info or support to the family trying to understand & …more help.

The only thing Jenna didn't mention - my family was told by 1 of my sister's 16 psychiatrists over a 4-yr period (the patient is assigned a new one after each hospital stay so there's no continuity - & each psychiatrist gave different diagnoses) was that the bi-polar patient does not remember anything about their manic episodes.

That means they have no idea of the stress & horror their loving family experiences when their relative becomes a scary, verbally abusive stranger right before their eyes.

Oh, & I loved Karena & all the storm chasing info! (less)