@rose1985, I'm sorry to read about your struggles with your son's illness...and his own struggles. I thought I'd mention that you're situation is shared with some others. I once had a friendly online pal on another bipolar forum site that had a similar situation as yours. She has bipolar disorder and had to send her son to live with his father because her son beat her often. Like your son, hers has a mental illness that contributes to the behavior. It is sad how such illnesses manifest in such ways. I'm sure you are a loving mom and that both sons love their parents. I am sending well wishes that proper treatment and therapy will make a huge difference. So often patience is required.