None of us are bipolar, we have bipolar disorder. If we are something we can never heal from it. I am a sixty year old biological male, I can't not change that.

If I have something I can change it.

I have a hard time being around people because I feel their feelings, especially the ones they are trying not to feel. The more self contained someone is the easier and more enjoyable it is to be with them.

I believe that many people with mental health disorders have a greater degree of empathy, perhaps as a result of their own trauma, that can make it hard to be around others.

For me it is most difficult with my family, for a variety of reasons.

Mania can express itself in different ways. I believe it is best described as energetic destruction. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder because I was fatigued and down while still accomplishing a great number of productive activities, I did not fit the mold.

Turns out I was and am just a very high functioning individual that had crappy self care habits. I worked too much, slept little (by choice) ate garbage and didn't exercise.

I do not believe that the first order of treatment for a suspected mental health disorder should be medication. Unless it is an emergency, an individual should first look at their diet, they amount they move and how much they sleep. Stress reduction is also criticl, but easier to accomplish when the first three are in order.

Changing ones lifestyle is a simple thing to do but very hard to accomplish.

Medications took everything from me except what life I have left. From that I have begun again. Better to not have not gone down that road to begin with.

As for concrete advice have your son meet with at least three other doctors but if he is stable enough see a dietitician first. I believe that the mental health care system has it wrong and increasingly so do the physicians who are at the forefront of healing.

When I thought about it what we eat, the environment we in live and what we do all day has the greatest impact on every area of our overall health. Why would mental health be any different.

This is my experience over decades of searching for answers and watching my life crumbly in front of my eyes, powerless to stop it. In three an a half months I have my life back.

I hope your son, and you, find peace and a path that leads you to joy.