Daughter diagnosed, what to expect?

Hi Loving Mother,

Thank you for joining HealingWell.

She clearly needs to be on her meds -- most of us need to be on meds, but unfortunately that is no guarantee that we will be stable. The medications vary a lot in effectiveness, and it can take a while to find one which works with which there are no side effects. Finding the right medications is a process that requires patience. Once we have found good meds, we need to stay on the meds. You have to take them as prescribed -- without missing doses, around the same time every day, as recommended by a doctor -- or they are ineffective and can actually do more harm than good. Many bps stop taking their meds when they feel okay because they convince themselves that the diagnosis was wrong. Then they crash hard.

Your daughter may make a really dramatic recovery if they get the meds right. Or it may take some time, and she may feel so so for a while. Or she may keep swinging.

There's depression in my family also, with no other bipolar. Genetics is a contributing factor, but not the only cause of bipolar.

In the meantime, while you're waiting for her to put her life back together, encourage her to be as healthy as possible and stick with her meds (often side effects disappear within a week of trying a new drug). She's lucky she has you for support.

Because this board is primarily for people suffering with bp, you may find more focused support for yourself at one of the friends and family boards I've recommended in the "Bipolar Disorder Resources" thread.

Good luck,
serafena

Hi Loving,

Serafena gave a wonderful response and great advice....I too am a mother of a daughter with bp, and can say that the outcome really depends on the person with bp.

I will give you a brief history of my daughter's illness. Please keep in mind this is just one person's journey; it does NOT mean your daughter will follow the same path!

My eldest daughter was diagnosed with bp in her teens; she is now 34, and over the years has had many different doctors, medications, hospitalizations, periods of stability, then long periods of no meds, wild mood swings and impulsive behavior, including self medication with illegal drugs and alcohol. The latter led ultimately to homelessness; I was unable to let her continue to live with me when she became violent and extremely disruptive.

Having the patience to find the right meds has been difficult for my daughter; she became frustrated with the process and at this time is not seeing a doctor nor taking any meds at all. She currently denies her diagnosis. I know that she enjoys her "manic" periods and doesn't like the fact that the prescribed medications take that "high" feeling away from her.

My daughter became pregnant and gave birth twice while she was homeless; twice she has had her babies taken away by Child Protective Services. Both of them have now been adopted by me and my husband because they terminated her parental rights....we wanted to keep them in our family.

She is currently married, living in an apartment with her husband. I continue to hope and pray that she will come to accept her diagnosis and seek medical help....if she does we will be able to allow her to see the kids when the doctor says she is stable enough! That will be so wonderful!

You and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers.....
Take care,
JoAnn

Hi Bucci,

Sorry that you have to deal with the dx of bipolar on top of hep C and Lyme disease! I hope you find the right medications!

Take care,
JoAnn