Bipolar Disorder Forum - Band Member Has Big Problems

A prospective member in my band has confided in me that he 1) has bipolar disorder and 2) was found guilty of "inappropriate contact" - presumably with a minor.

He swears up and down that he was innocent and he is appealing his case. However, he did spend 4 months in the local prison.

I don't really know much about this bipolar stuff - seems like it's way overdiagnosed and that anyone with problems grabs onto some kind of ailment. Anyway, assuming it's for real, what should I expect from this person? He says he has it under control w/medication, etc. Also seems like a nice person, although he hasn't made much of his life despite being highly educated. 30-something, unemployed and living with his parents. He is a very good musician, however, and seems to be a hard worker when it comes to his music.

I'm in a moral dilema - I mean, the guy did the time for his supposed crime, so technically he has paid his debt to society, etc. But it just seems like this guy carries so much baggage that I don't know if I (and the rest of the band - they don't know about it) can deal with it.

Any ideas? What would you do?

Replies(3)

NitroChic

replied on June 17th, 2006

New User

Give Him a Try....

I think you may be right in regards to the over diagnosis of bi_polar disorder, but make no mistake that it is a serious condition. You are also correct in that this gent has paid his debt to society whether he is guilty or not.
This gent should be willing to talk to the group as a whole in regards to his condition, and answer any concerns that arise. A band needs to stay as cohesive as possible, and if even one member has a negative feeling about this, it should be weighed heavily.
Simply treat it as any job in that there will be a probationary period, and the band can decide that he isnt a good fit in that time without any ramifications.
I am sure that you have to make some adjustments to each band member at different times in their life, and this gent shouldnt be any different. I say give him a try after you have all discussed the issues and come to an agreement.

Nitrochic

bandleader

replied on June 17th, 2006

New User

Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I am leaning that way - it's just that i'm afraid if I have him "spill the beans" about his past that it will scare everyone else off. The bipolar thing I guess I can handle as long as he has it under control. I think the band thing would be one of the few positive things to come along for this guy in a long time.

The probationary period is a good idea - thanks, I really hadn't thought about that. Sounds like a good way to try him out without committing.

NitroChic

replied on June 17th, 2006

New User

Current Band Members

Of course you know your band members best, but maybe some of them have some personal issues.....Drug or alcohol abuse, mental health issues, personal home life issues... These are all things that you already work around...So if he is treated and under control on medication, it should be treated just the same...
Do a bit of research on your own, keeping in mind that he stated he is under control with medication. Here is a website that might help.

Http://www.Nlm.Nih.Gov/medlineplus/bipolar disorder.Html

good luck

nitrochic

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc