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Bi polar 1 son refuses treatment
Mental Health | Last Active: Jan 16, 2023 | Replies (29)Comment receiving replies
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.
Replies to "Hello, Catmomma Our family has a similar experience. My son is in denial of his bipolar..."
1953,
I'm glad your son is doing so much better. Talking to someone who understands, who's been there, whether dealing with mental illness or addiction (or both) can feel like a lifeline. I've been in a mixed state most recently, which can sneak up on you. For me, I was still going to work, so there was the misperception that "everything is fine." People who have been there can call you out on it. Or be there to catch you when you fall.
And I can't imagine what it must be like to be on the side of family.
I am in some ways glad my parents did not abandon ship. I also know myself well enough to know that requiring me to do something like that may just have pushed me further away from where I needed to be. In my own case, I think I needed to get there on my own. Thankfully, my family probably realized that years ago. Unhealthy as the family dynamic may be. Parents usually know what's best.
No easy answers.
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Hopeful1953,
You have had more than your fair share of challenges. Your story is similar to mine, same diagnosis with similar behavior issues - but your story is much more intense. Which is humbling for me to read… for as long as my son refuses treatment, I know his story could eventually be much more similar. Like you I have my son at home to maintain his situation and reduce his stress, which keeps his bipolar at bay - more or less , I love him. But sometimes it becomes blurry between helping and enabling. Any clarity you can share ?
Thanks again for sharing.