Treatment before Treatment
Larry was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder (often called manic depression) when he was 19 years old. Zeke had known this about Larry and went through many “roller coaster rides” with Larry, as Zeke put it. Through their 13-year relationship, Larry tried a myriad of medications, resorting to self-medicating many times, via alcohol and marijuana. Zeke felt at the end of his rope. He felt that Larry used manic depression as an excuse at times and Zeke was tired of picking up the pieces.
Zeke did all of the talking during the first session with their couples counselor. Larry seemed disinterested and even started perusing a magazine while Zeke spoke. The counselor knew she had a difficult case on her hands.
The first thing Melinda did as a counselor was address the medications Larry was taking. If he was truly bi-polor, she knew it would do little good to counsel someone in the swings of this difficult mental disease. She referred him to a psychiatrist in her office so they could review his regimen. She also encouraged 12-step programs for both Larry (who was drinking daily and heavily at this point) and Zeke (who attended Alanon meetings, which he considered “a real saving grace.”)
After several months, Melinda felt more confident and able to treat Larry and Zeke as a couple. They both seemed considerably more stable and Larry was on a proper dosage of medication that didn’t seem to be interfering with his life. All parties felt that this treatment before treatment was imperative for couples work could begin.
