Hopeful

[Lulu720]

I have a son 21 yrs that is struggling with depression and bipolar disorder. He is trying to get help. Just sad to watch

[Agora1]

Hi Luigilena, what is your son doing in trying to get help. Does he have insurance?

a family doctor he sees who may refer him to a psychiatrist. As a mother, I know how difficult it is to watch our adult children suffer. x

[Lulu720 in reply to Agora1]

Yes he is seeing a psychiatrist trying different meds. Hasn’t found the right one yet.

[Agora1 in reply to Lulu720]

Lulu, I am glad that your son is under the care of a psychiatrist. This is the hardest time while the doctor tries different medications and dosages to find just the right one that will work for your son. The trial and error time. It will happen that the right combo will be found and then your son can start going forward. Meanwhile, just be there to support him. Support is just as important as medication/therapy. My thoughts are with you. Be thankful that your son has reached out for help, that is a big step in itself. (my daughter won't accept any help)

Stay strong Lulu, I know it is difficult for you but we are here to support you anytime. xx

[Hidden]

Dear Luigilena

I saw your post and I wanted to reach out to you. I know just how you are feeling and yes its difficult to watch your child struggling and you are wondering what can I do. It's very difficult to see for any parent or parents to watch the ups and downs that their child is struggling. Bipolar disorder and depression is sad for anyone to live with and living with a love one who is struggling and in pain. At that age especially 21 it can be difficult to get help for your child especially if they are old enough to make there own decisions. He will get the help and support but he must want this. With your love and support continue to help him but try not to be too overbearing. I did not realized that bipolar disorder has many shapes and conditions and each individual varies with this especially how they can handle it. My daughter is 23 and she struggled with this for sometime. She was constantly making poor choices, careless mistakes, changing jobs frequently, or never can keep a job, very defensive towards others and love ones, it was like watching a time bomb ready to explode. I had to point out some of these things to her and how it concerns me and for her to seek help immediately for she destroys herself. So she finally seek help with a medical professional and was placed on medication. However her medications was switched multiple times due to negative changes with her body and mind, which is critical to also see your psychiatric weekly or more. Taking meds alone without therapy isn't enough and when they are young it's not effective. Sometimes it was difficult to have a conversation with her as she believe I knew nothing about what she was feeling or knowledgable about her disorder. Her emotions was like a rollercoaster and I was walking on pins and needles sometimes in my own home, just to avoid unnecessary things and arguments. It's a long struggle and it gets better with love, patience, understanding and the proper medical assistance. It saddens me many times to watch and cry to myself as I felt helpless. This will get better.

[Lulu720 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for replying!! He is getting professional help. And just like you said has been trying different medicines. He lets me go to the doctors with him and talks to me. I do feel helpless but trying to hold it together and be strong for him.

[Rick1on1]

Hi - it's great that you are there for him! Read as much about it so that you know how to support him to get it managed.

Good luck!

[Lulu720 in reply to Rick1on1]

Thankyou!

[Lulu720]

My son is seeing professional help. He has tried a few different medicines. Still seeking the right one. I am very happy that he talks to me and I go to the doctors with him. It’s been a struggle but I am hopeful he will find the medicine that is good for him. Thank you all for your comments! They do help.