Update on Bipolar son....

Hi Uniquely Me:

I gew up with a Mom who was diagnosed as a Paranoid Schizophrenic around the time I was born, and from a very young age, roles were reversed and I was the caretaker of her and my entire family.  So, even though the Dx's are not exactly the same, a lot of the symptoms are, and I can very much relate to what you are going through with your son. 

My mother threatened to commit suicide often, and actually tried to commit suicide a couple of times, and I know how scared it makes you and at the same time it is so physically, mentally, and emotionally draining it is, because you worry every second what they thinking of doing, planning to do, or actually doing. 

I'm glad that the crisis counsellor was able to de-escalate the situation, and that things have calmed down.  Please be sure to take the time to take care of yourself so that you are able to help him when he needs you.  Please keep posting as you can, as I'm sure you know, it helps to vent not just about what he's going through, but what you are going through as well.

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Lorie  

Me,
I was wondering how you were doing. I am thankful that you called the crisis counselor and that you seem to have a system in your area similar to ours - in that there are people or teams available to go out to homes, in a limited number of cases. The hospital is certainly there and is better than taking a risk of an attempt, but as long as you get an assessment by someone who knows what they're doing re: suicide, that's the main point.

I am biting my tongue here a bit because I'm not here to give medical advice but I sure would ask that doctor why he prescribed Wellbutrin to someone with bipolar. Some doctors (psychiatrists - I'm talking about those who specialize in this, not a family doctor) are very good at combining medications, and some aren't. Wellbutrin can trigger manic episodes. While in some cases it might be tried, it's usually not until other options are exhausted. It's good it happened early and while your son was around for you to observe.

Like a few of us had said earlier, it's tough to get this illness "balanced" because that's what it is, a balancing act with medications, but also some lifestyle changes can help. I think I remember your son was seeing a therapist, but I can't trust my memory anymore. If he's not, seeing someone experienced with bipolar is pretty much a necessity.

Another thing that can be helpful is learning a variety of techniques to help with emotional regulation. There is an approach called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) mostly developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., for dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). BUT you don't have to have BPD to benefit from it because it is all about teaching thinking and behavioral techniques to help regulate emotions - in conjunction with medication. There may be groups in your area that are running, and you can look for them. Or search for a therapist who's been trained in DBT.

Hope you can relax a bit.....this is an exhausting episode for you, too.

Hugs,

PaLady

Uniquelyme, I also am so glad that a counselor was available. I wish it did not take so long in trying different medications to find one or a combination that works and works over a time period. Just know that you and your son are being prayed for and as alone as you can feel at times of distress, there are others who care. Wouldn't it be nice to have people around that can step in at times who are as caring as the people on here. Maybe you have some around you but the people on this forum are definitely special. Be blessed and keep us informed as we do wonder how things are going.

Me ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))

Now that you have signed up for this roller coaster ride I have to say I'm proud of you!!!! Under stressfull pressure you are trying to make the right choices so far so good. As we all told you in the last thread it will be an up and down cycles from now on. Trail and error, laughter and tears........

I will be thinking of you
Laurie

It really helps to have all of you here for me.. I feel kinda selfish saying this, but I feel like my family has forgotten about me in all of this.  I mean, My son definitley needs a great deal of attention right now, but he also uses this to get attention. So, my problems are non existant right now.  I mean, hell...I have to walk on egg shells around him so I don't set him off.  If I even mention that my blood sugar is high or that my back is killing me He throws a freakin fit.  My mom, who we live with, has started jumping my butt about everything... I say the wrong thing all of the time...I do the wrong thing all of the time.  If he gets upset about anything I have said, even if it's just "hello" she tells me to be quiet and think of his feelings.

Talk about confusing.....I thought I was his mom....

Me.