Bi polar support

[Bethbehappy]

I need help and I dont know where to turn. I came back to this site a while ago feeling ready for the fight but life intervened. The main problem is my sons privacy. We had a traumatic time when he went missing before christmas and was eventually traced abroad in a psychiatric hospital in paris. He was diagnosed with bi polar, since returned and stayed with me for some months. He is now trying to rebuild his life and I am very proud of him. Cutting long story a bit shorter, the discussion of heredity in Gene's came up and after a long positive conversation with my elderly mother about her mother we both felt so sad for past pain and I felt a massive relief that finally after years of wondering about my own mental health I could make some sense of it all. I haven't talked to my son about this as I am avoiding the all about mum thing. He is an adult and I am very blessed he has turned to me and I cant endanger that, I need advice . I would like to discuss my mental health with a professional but I know seeking a diagnosis will be really hard in these times, I'm lost and frightened about my mental stability without support, I am 67 now and I really have to decided wether or not to poke the bear. A dialogue with someone has to help. thankyou.....Beth

[Hidden]

I suggest you talk to people who are in a medical area more appropriate to your needs given this is primarily a forum to discuss heart disease issues.

Specifically if you have concerns about those close to you being bipolar a quick search on tinterweb revealed this

bipolaruk.org/crisis-support

There may be other organisations who can offer proper guidance for you.

And you could also discuss things with your GP, because even post Covid, they still have responsibilities concerning mental health as well as physical health.

[Hidden]

Hello Beth

I am sorry to read what you are going through

I think that even though you feel afraid that you should see your Doctor I have a feeling they will be able to arrange getting you tested to see if you are Bipolar and there is nothing to be afraid of honestly getting a diagnosis might be a relief and help get you the support you need

Have you tried asking your question on these other Communities on Health Unlocked I will put you the links to take you straight to them they may be able to give you their own experiences and advice as on here it is mainly about heart conditions

Good luck and I hope you get the help and answers you need x

healthunlocked.com/mental-h...

healthunlocked.com/anxiety-...

[Bethbehappy in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou, just trying to digest so much without hopefully undoing my physical wellbeing. Thankyou for the links, I just couldn't find them,

[Hidden in reply to Bethbehappy]

If you click on the links it will say you are now leaving this site or something to that effect and then click again on the link and it will take you straight to them x

[Fullofheart]

In my experience, personal and professional....I've worked with many families over the years dealing with similar challenges....the not talking about difficult things can become more problematic than the thing you're not talking about.Bekind has offered some useful links. I think getting yourself connected to relevant communities/ people with similar experiences and/ or seeking support from professionals is a sensible and courageous way forward. So that you don't feel alone with it and you can begin to talk about important matters in your life.

Wishing you all the best. Its tricky territory to navigate, I know.

Additionally...

Also, it shouldn't be as hard as you fear to get an appointment within Mental health services (dependent on where you live, of course). Your GP will know how to refer you to statutory and/ or voluntary sector support. Of course, there are private options too for talking Therapies etc which would not incur a wait. This might not lead to a diagnosis but the statutory route might not either (there is set criteria that you may not meet) but that need not invalidate your experience or your own sense making. How you feel/ what you think about what you are learning about yourself, and how you are making sense of what has happened to your son is important in itself. Good luck!

[Bethbehappy in reply to Fullofheart]

Thankyou for your support. I hope my poor old heart is going to be strong enough for all this. My son has been back in the country for 6 months and still hasn't seen a psychiatrist with regard to his meds. Hes doing so well pulling himself up day by day. I feel more calm now that I have acknowledged the need to follow through. Just feel totally alone. Gp and mind on monday and we will go from there. Best wishes.....beth

[Heather1957]

BeKind28 has offered some good advice already I would just add that if you don't want to start with a GP maybe try MIND on 0300 123 3393

[Bethbehappy in reply to Heather1957]

It is first on my list. They were a great help directing me to the right places for my son , and I have dealt with them before. Thankyou for being there. Beth

[Villagelife]

Hi, I think your first port of call should be to discuss you mental health with your Gp. Hopefully they will then refer you to a mental health professional who will have a more indepth knowledge. Support with your mental health and getting help to understand yourself is more important than an actual diagnosis right now. Its never too late to seek help. I hope all goes well for both you and your son.

[Bethbehappy in reply to Villagelife]

Thankyou for your support. I have spent my entire life in and out of counselling and if I have to listen to a glass half full I'll scream. I suppose I am frightened of opening pandora's box, but there's always hope. B9

[Villagelife in reply to Bethbehappy]

Hope is the way forward counselling can help but understanding your highs & lows might be more helpful you can then with help develop a toolkit of coping strategies. Medication could be helpful to stabilise your moods but your GP could advise you. I wish you luck take care.