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Bi polar 1 son refuses treatment
Mental Health | Last Active: Jan 16, 2023 | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
Mercerspring,
I can't imagine what this must be like for you. It's hard to watch someone you love so much suffer. I have bipolar after a TBI, and have some idea what I've put my family through and it feels terrible. I don't have a lot of sage advice, save to focus on what you can control: your own mental health. It is tremendously stressful and I would imagine that after so much going on, depression or anxiety would be understandable, if not a the rule, if that makes sense.
And my family had to set boundaries with me, involving financial assistance and in allowing me to stay with them. Staying there never lasted long, I even once left my dad's to stay in a shelter, the shelter didn't have the limits and expectations.
I'll keep you and your son in my thoughts and prayers.
Replies to "Mercerspring, I can't imagine what this must be like for you. It's hard to watch someone..."
Hello, Catmomma
Our family has a similar experience.
My son is in denial of his bipolar condition. He was continually noncompliant with his prescriptions ordered. His psychotic episodes became more intense. After numerous hospitalization he left home. Family members offered him security and warmth at hotels. He declined and opted to live in the Arizona mountains. He almost froze to death.
Unknown to his dad and I he was involved with drugs and alcohol. Upon returning home from Arizona a judge ordered his guardianship to me. To keep him “safe”.
Due to his “poor judgement”
He would need to attend medical and psychiatric appointments. After much encouragement his psychiatrists convinced him to take the prescription Abilify via injection (every 30 days).
He was jobless due to his paranoia since 2012. Only recently got a job.
The job is helping him.
He still cannot identify his episodes. Voices are still there. But is dealing with them at this point.
We joined NOMI and to this day belong to parent groups with whom have had experienced these hardships.
He lives with us. Under the agreement he has to attend therapy groups, AA. and remain sober. Doesn’t believe he needs therapy groups but attends.
His life is better but doesn’t believe in his bipolar condition.
“Setbacks can happen”.
We took a severe setback. Last summer he experienced a cannabis induced psychosis. He hit “rock bottom”because of the withdrawal causing a hospitalization.
We started over and are back on track. Boundaries have been set.
He’s observing your commitment to the program too as well.
Support groups help in healing.
God Bless you.
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Thank you for your insight. I believe my sons bipolar could be TBI related ( 10 years of rugby and hit by a car while on a bike AND while on a scooter ). He is doing better and started a new job ( hands on outside work, instead of using his college degree and ability to speak three languages … but it’s work!) - but, as his siblings remind me …. This is the pattern of things. However, I can’t help but feel hopeful during the good periods ( neither high nor low). He’s lovely to spend time with now- BUT, in his early 30’s I can’t help but wonder why he doesn’t have dreams and push hard to fulfill them. It goes beyond the comfort of a provided home ( what his siblings declare is the case ) as he would rather be homeless than be an overworked cog ( AKA - pay the price for eventual work and financial freedom… but to do only that you want to do, rather than need to do …..don’t we all wish that AND dont we all realize that’s unrealistic?!? ). Or that’s my guess at any rate. It’s all so complicated, isn’t it !!!! But when you think of it …. What’s “ normal” anyway ?!? I just want to be sure he’s prepared for life post mom. ( won’t be around forever ). Take care and thanks again catmoma!