Family & Friends of Bipolar Support Group
This community is dedicated to parents, siblings, grandparents, other relatives and friends of someone who is Bipolar. The purpose of this community is to help families and friends develop greater patience and understanding, as well as maintain a positive, caring relationships with those diagnosed as Bipolar.
Hi all! I've been thinking about joining a support group for a while but I've realized I can't do this alone and need the advice/support of others who have been through this. My 18 year old daughter had her first manic episode (with psychosis) the first week of college. She was hospitalized for about 10 days and has progressed through crippling anxiety (which she has overcome) to her first major depressive episode. I feel like there might be some delusional aspect to this too because she is absolutely obsessed with her appearance. Weight gain and acne from the lithium have, in her head, changed her looks for good even though she was taken off the lithium and we have her seeing a dermatologist and personal trainor. I know the depression is the real issue but she's in complete denial about her diagnosis and thinks if she could just "get her smile back" she would be totally fine. On Latuda and more recently Welbutrin so I'm waiting for that to kick in but I'm feeling desperate. She talks about killing herself every day and made one attempt recently that led to another hospitalization. I feel like I'm just pulling her through each day and we then we have to start everything over again the next. I'm not acurately describing the pain in this house, but I'm guessing you all understand.
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Which explains the mysterious fevers and my extra fatigue. I'm so glad I pushed for answers.
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Due to my increased paranoia, anxiety, and a panic attack over the weekend, my psychiatrist has put me back in a full dose of Zyprexa until further notice. Every time I think I'm getting ahead something happens and it's back to square one. I knew he was gonna do this but I can't help feeling disappointed. It is what it is.
I would let her doctor know that she's talking daily about suicide as well as obsessing about her appearance
There is a condition called body dysmorphia disorder.... Hopefully they will keep her in the hospital long enough to make a difference
I was diagnosed about 30 years ago and we have a very treatable disorder... It can take some time to find the right treatment as it's individual however she can be stable moving forward
Even if her doctors can't say too much to you with regards to confidentiality?...I don't know if she's waved that I would be completely frank with the hospital staff as to what she's been saying and doing at home
This is how she will be helped and move ahead..... Big hug... I know that the beginning is hard... There is a lot of help.... a lot of 'tools' ... Please don't lose sight of that....... xo
For me, accepting the dx was a Long Road of starting and stopping meds...I was in 3 different hospitals, almost for 3 months. It take time to get back " feeling like you have control over your brain". Ya might want to ask about if she's taking meds "as directed". I was on welbutrin and it gave me the willies...had to come off.
If your daughter is talking about suicide, I agree with SCD. What I'd also do is tell her the next time you will call for emergency service as you become every upset. This way she "will know" the consequences of the words, they are not to mess around with.
Letting her dr's know what is happening can only help them guide her and make sure she is on the right meds. If she is willing, I'd ask her to get a release for you to speak with dr's "to reduce your stress", not so much get info. She might become defensive like you don't think she can take care of herself....your meddling in her treatment.
Depression is very natural state after manic/psychotic episode. Is your daughter in college or doing online classes? I ask this because the stress on her to get good grades at this time might be hard. As for her body, could be dysmorphia, or it could be 'negative attention' , same with suicide.
I wish you the best and hope you will continue to reach out. :)