For many years my family and I dealt with a family member that we all decided was, without a doubt. "psycho". My sister-while we love her dearly was prone to obscene out-bursts, sudden mood changes and a huge amount of self sympathy.

There came point in our lives were we all chose to have nothing to do with her. We did not understand what her problem was or where it even came from. She was a true Jekell and Hyde.

For example. She had been at my parents' house with the rest of us-goofing off and having a good time. When she was ready to leave she took a few cans of veggies out of the pantry for her dinner at home so she wouldn't have to go out of her way to the grocery. The situation seemed funny because my dad-bless his heart-had caught corn on sale and had come home with 15 cans. We had been giving hima hard time about but the momment had passed. When my sister took those 2 cans of corn I made the remark -"Now Lisa*, you better not take those there isn't much in there." I laughed , others laughed-Lisa rolled her eyes. She left in a hurry. Within maybe 5 or so minutes she returned and claimed she didn't appreciate my commet and it really hurt her and on on about how I do not know how hard life is for her and that I have no right to control dad's food. I tried to tell her it was just a joke-but not accordeing to her. She started scraming at me-telling mne to grow up and go places that I do not need to go.

That is when I decided it was best I don't speak to her anymore. Being around her put everyone on eggshells and the tiniest crak would send her off the map. She made everyone a nervous wreck. A huge wedge was drove between us all.

After months of not speaking to her she decided to talk to a doctor and he soon diagnosed her as Bi-Polar. We were all relieved that her moods swing and depression was treatable. She began medication and it made a 180 degree difference.

Don't get me wrong this was not a over night change. She went through so may medications to find the perfect fit. Some zonked her out. For example, my Dad was recently diagnosed with terminal canncer. We we all in tears. Lisa was smiling and commenting strangers on their choice of attire.

It has been a struggle. People with bipolar aren't all the same. Lisa will never be 100 percent but we all work to help her. She had to go on disability because even with her meds, she could not hold down a job.

She seems to always plan the worstpossible outcome before the situation even arises. We have to somtimes treat her like a child so that she canunderstand even the simplistof matters. She has to be remined how to manage her money and things that we all do everyday.

You have to be patient and very careful with her. Putting yourself in her shoes help to understand more. We all love her and take care of her together and slowly but surely she is making it ion her own.