Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
Hi ~ I'm a mom of a 22 year old son who was recently diagnosed with bipolar 2. When he was in high school he had had a few episodes of depression ~ one landing him in the hospital. Since high school he stopped taking his anti-depressants, started drinking (he's now an alcoholic) and was recently hospitalized again because of his deep depression. It was there that the doctors diagnosed him as bipolar 2.
Unfortunately, the drinking problem is getting in the way to treat him for his other issues. He refuses to stop drinking or to go for help. He also stopped taking his anti-depressant a week after being discharged because he says it makes him very tired (I'm sure the alcohol contributes to that) and only tried the mood stabilizer once since leaving the hospital.
Right now he is doing better concerning the depression. I don't know if the meds jump started him but he is out of his funk. What put him in the hospital both times (high school and now) was because of girlfriends breaking up with him after long courtships.
I guess what I'd like to know is ~ for those with bipolar 2 ~ is it an on-going struggle - ups and downs ~ or do you go for long periods of time without a problem. Of course, my son isn't taking medication so that might make it more difficult to answer but I thought I'd try. He wrote in one of his suicide notes (before hospitalization) that he was fighting racing thoughts and impulses that he has. Just trying to understand a bit. Thanks.
Unfortunately, the drinking problem is getting in the way to treat him for his other issues. He refuses to stop drinking or to go for help. He also stopped taking his anti-depressant a week after being discharged because he says it makes him very tired (I'm sure the alcohol contributes to that) and only tried the mood stabilizer once since leaving the hospital.
Right now he is doing better concerning the depression. I don't know if the meds jump started him but he is out of his funk. What put him in the hospital both times (high school and now) was because of girlfriends breaking up with him after long courtships.
I guess what I'd like to know is ~ for those with bipolar 2 ~ is it an on-going struggle - ups and downs ~ or do you go for long periods of time without a problem. Of course, my son isn't taking medication so that might make it more difficult to answer but I thought I'd try. He wrote in one of his suicide notes (before hospitalization) that he was fighting racing thoughts and impulses that he has. Just trying to understand a bit. Thanks.
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Hey All...I hope that you have a lovely, peaceful beginning of your weekI have a bunch of chores that need doing but may put them off til tomorrow and just hang out with my landlord/roomie todayWhat about you?...Anything special going on?Have a great day and take good care of you!!..Xo
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Once again I've had a fever today. I'm not going to the hospital because that's a huge waste of time but I did schedule a dr appointment for Wednesday afternoon.
Maybe your son needs a conservator, someone appointed by the court to basically run his life. (Probably not you.) The worst thing going on with your son is the alcoholism and the only one who can make choices in that area is him. It's a losing proposition and the cause of much sadness. Someone will tell you that you might be better to try the Friends and Family of BP group here at DS but it won't be me. I wish you well.
I am BP 2 and it is a chronic illness..(no cure) however there is control of it with meds and often therapy... he is self medicating now with a depressant.. alcohol will put him into a depression... he will continue to lose relationships as an alcoholic....acceptance is a very important step for this illness.. once you accept it you start to work on being as well as you can.. there are things in life that can trigger BP for sure but once we are taking care of ourselves we know where to go for help..
I have gone long periods without a problem while medicated.. now Ive been going through a difficult time for a while and I know I have to reach out for help ..
It sounds like his addiction is very serious.. have you considered an intervention for him?... sometimes people have to hit bottom before all they can see is up...big hug for you..xo
People vary. Off meds it can be a continuous struggle. By meds I mean a mood stabilizer not an anti-depressant which can make things worse.
On meds it can still be a trial. It helps with management but is not a cure. Sometimes it will break through is a serious way but even so I still think we still have smaller ups and downs pretty much all the time.
As indicated, this group might be more suitable
http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Family-and-Friends-of-Bipolar/support-group
Have a look at the post "Intro to Bipolar (long)" for a basic summary for a parent or partner of someone with bipolar.