[hope1234]

hello everyone,

my 20 year old son just had his first major manic episode. it was really bad. he was hospitalized for 5 days and has been home on meds and doing "OK" for the last 6 weeks. he is scared (me too). any suggestions? advice? if he takes his meds will he still have episodes? i love him more than life and just want to help without being a pest.

[lotusflames]

he might do. but it's all about trial and error and he might get lucky and find that his current cocktail is enough to keep him stable.

only time will tell

sorry i cant give you more than that

[blueoctober]

Welcome hope1234. For most people with Bipolar the meds won't take away all the symptoms, but normally the meds will reduce the severity of the episodes.There are also a lot of lifestyle changes that your son can do to the manage the illness. These include eating properly, taking meds as prescribed/at the same time each day, exercising, keeping to a schedule (regular sleep is very important).

I would suggest that both you and your son educate yourself on bipolar. I found that helped me the most in learning how to manage the illness. I've been diagnosed since 2007 and have still had episodes, but haven't been hospitalized since then.

The book in my signature is excellent and is written for family members/friends of those diagnosed. Your son is very lucky to have you in his life.

[vjdragonfly]

hope1234 I'm sorry you are going through this. It is wonderful that you are being so supportive to your son. Blueoctober has some really great suggestions. I think a good support system for your son would be beneficial. If he hasn't seen a therapist it might be useful. They can teach him coping strategies, which will help in the future. The medicine is definitely a must and mood chart might help keep track of his moods so he can better tell his pdoc how he has been doing.

[hope1234]

thanks so much..i have been educating myself and he is being very positive, its just so scary for us ...i have been looking for a support group (not any in my area)... thats one of the reasons i turned to this site..

[Confusedinomicon]

That's awesome!

If he doesn't have a therapist, you can look into that. Usually the extra support from a good therapist (remember that you have to find the right fit!) can help lessen the blow and help transition the person into the new lifestyle. Generally it takes some time and acceptance to come into terms with a diagnosis. o-o

[Miss Laura]

Hey Hope1234,

I have read your intro in the intro section and I have read your post above. How does your Son respond to Therapy? I am glad you guys are working as a team.

I was diagnoised in Nov 2010 and my Family are struggling still with my "difficulties". There are a lot of parents on here so stick around and see what they say.

From a "child's" perspective, be there for your Son, listen and don't judge, be patient and try your best not to make him feel worse(I am overly sensitive.... might just be me or could be BP)

If you need any info/chat PM me anytime