I'm sorry your son is suffering .. when our kids (no matter their age) suffer, us moms suffer also.

Is your son still in public school or has he graduated ?? If he is still in school, perhaps there is a guidance counselor or school pychologist who can assist with helping you and your son navigate what options are available in the community to help.

I feel that your son needs to get his bi-polar under control so that he CAN successfully obtain a job and keep it. Can the pych who is prescribing the meds help put you in contact with agencies that can help cover the cost of meds plus get in-person counseling ?? Can you speak with this person and let them know that your current economic situation causes a disruption in meds sometimes ?? I don't think these meds should be disrupted and so it would seem to me that the Dr. could be helpful. ??

I'm not sure if you will run into difficulties finding him help since he is 19 years old now. I would imagine that as long as he is agreeable with you helping him .. you can do whatever you can to get him financial assistance. I would keep trying as long as your son cooperates.

I would not use "tough love" unless your son refuses to cooperate with getting treatment. It is hard for him to get treatment himself right now because he is young and is struggling with his illness. But once you get him hooked up with agencies that can cover the cost of treatment and keep the meds flowing with out interuption .. I think it is reasonable for you to expect him to attend treatment and then at the right point in time .. expect him to get a job and keep it.

hang in there -