Bipolar will anyone talk to me about it

I am sorry you are dealing with this. Your son may be taking advantage of you financially. He knows you feel bad for him, so he manipulates those feelings. Did you know there is a support group that goes alongside AA or NA? It is called Al-Anon. It is meant for help for the person dealing with an addictive family member. Many churches have AA, NA and Al-Anon groups. But these groups are not based in religion. I grew up with an alcoholic dad. He found help in AA,, and my mother's sanity was saved through going to Al-Anon while my Dad went to AA meetings. Of course, finding out more about these ideas is just a computer click away. Hugs to you!

I have been that son, alcohol, drugs, mental illness and prison.

The best thing my mother ever did for me was to stop enabling me. Twice she has refused to let me come home.

Both times led to forty total years of sobriety.

You have received excellent advice on this board. You will meet people who understand your situation at Al-Anon,

As a parent of four wonderful children I can understand that for me the guilt that could fuel enabling my children looks like love, but for me it is fear.

I say this for me and only me.

Most parents I know would take their child’s place in hell and I’m no different. Sometimes that means I have to accept that they may not want anything to do with me.

It’s been ten years so far.

You’ve taken a big step reaching out. I hope you can find the hope to reach out to Al-Anon.

Find the peace you deserve.

Most of the comments are from people dealing with a bipolar loved one.
I have bipolar 1 and struggle with many of the issues your son has. Anger/rage is probably my worst problem and I can go from 0 to 1000 in a microsecond. To others it seemingly comes out of nowhere and is unprovoked. However, I usually feel my anger/rage episodes are justified, though they cause me many problems. I have pushed away just about everyone in my life and hurt my daughter, whom I love very much. It is extremely frustrating that no one sees my perspective. This causes me to withdrawal socially and isolate from everyone. I feel the world is against me, but sometimes am also embarrassed by my behavior. I never fit in. No one understands me. I hate life and think often about how I want to leave this world. If not for my daughter, I would very quickly. People get angry if I even mention how I feel.
It is very difficult to explain to others what it is like.
Chaotic thoughts, intense emotions in constant flux. Frustration that no one understands, and instead, attacks, judges, accuses, and blames you. You get this sickening feeling in the pit of your stomach at the realization that it has happened agsin. You said or did something that made someone uncomfortable with, afraid of, or annoyed at you. The lack of compassion and unwillingness of others to attempt to understand or help drives you deeper into depression. What is wrong with me? Why do people not want to be around me? Why is life so hard? Why can't I be normal?
It is really discouraging when people don't believe you. They say that everybody has mood swings. They think you are making it up or trying to get attention. They hold you accountable as if it is all in your control. They don't realize how hard it is to fight everyday to do what others do naturally. To regulate your emotions, interact with others, control your impulses and behavior. To just basically function in society. And you have to take meds with horrible side effects, go to therapy, and see a psychiatrist, all for the rest of your life. Maintaining relationships is impossible. Sometimes it is easier to give up. Withdrawal. Stop struggling. The anger turns into sadness, then despair.

Finding a treatment that works could help and staying vigilant to find backup treatemtns(therapy, meds) in case one or another option ceases helping, will be key. People may be terrified of the leaps of logic that can happen, and even if they care about/love you, your reactions may be too much for them to handle so they withdraw. If you can focus on getting better for yourself, then see which of your circle is willing to hear that you are better and now more able to engage that may be onepath that is useful to you. Even if your former circle cant resume contact you will find others who do understand. Try NAMI or DBSA or other groups for peers with similar diagnoses.

I’ve been taking the same drug for almost 20 years. Lamotrigine works for me.

19 Feb. 2026
Hi, Sally. My son has a serious case of bipolar I disorder. He is now 44. He was diagnosed at age 14. We have had many years, and many different challenges, with his illness. I have a very busy day right now, but I will reply to your post in the next few days. I am new to Mayo Connect, and am seeking other parents of loved ones with bipolar disorder. I do not get any support or help from my only immediate family, so am looking forward to exchanging information, experiences, and support with other parents. I will do my best to return as soon as I can.
Connie

@SusanEllen66: Lamotrigine has been a miracle drug for me. I went from intense depressive cycles, daily thoughts of self-harm (and one very close call), uncontrollable rages, and more to basically being stable on a daily basis. It was quite the turnaround. I have a healthy mind now. It’s not for everyone, no drug is, but for me it was a lifesaver.

I was diagnosed as bipolar at 28. I am now 68. It has been V-E-R-Y challenging along the way, and I am so happy to be in remission. I cannot believe some of the callous, tough love comments on this thread. Would tough love be an answer for a diabetic??? There's no difference for someone who suffers from bipolar illness. It's an I-L-L-N-E-S-S too, and what we need is patience, understanding from our family, and support. It sometimes takes years of experience with the right doctor to find the right combination of medication to live a normal life. What your son needs is your support in any way you can give it. He is sick and you can't help if you aren't present in his life. Once well, he will appreciate everything you have done. I know I did. Love ❤️ and prayers...from someone who KNOWS.

@bpforlife I am right there with you. I am now in remission after 40 years of treatment. I hope you will find answers soon. You shouldn't have to worry about your responses to things being unlike other people's. You shouldn't have to have mood swings, you shouldn't have to feel bad. You shouldn't have regrets, any more than other people do. How can I help?

@SusanEllen66 Me too!!