[bonnieb]

My daughter was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after dropping out of college in her second year. After returning home, attempting to work, take meds and getting involved in very risky behavior, she left in the middle of the night and moved thousands of miles away. Although she stays in touch and sometimes visits, she refuses to take meds and I have very little influence to encourage her to do so. I believe she stays away so she will not be judged by her behavior. My phone discussions and her facebook postings are inicators that she really needs help. She refuses to take meds or seek therapy. Is there anything I can do to help her and convince her to get help?

[Merlin]

There is a significant limit to what a parent can do, legally, if a mentally ill adult child chooses not to take meds, especially if they don't live at home. If your daughter is a danger to herself or others, you could intervene, but otherwise there is not much you can do. I would seek therapy for yourself, maybe a T could help you to learn to cope with your daughter's choice and move on with your life.

[BlueInanna]

Originally Posted by Merlin

I would seek therapy for yourself, maybe a T could help you to learn to cope with your daughter's choice and move on with your life.

Bonnie - it's heartbreaking to watch or know your child's suffering. i have an 18 yr old daughter who is really trying to get better. But my 16 yr old son just keeps doing the risky behavior and tries to refuse help. I guess it's good he's under 18 and I can legally make him get help. But I only have a year and a half until he's 18.

But Merlin is right, a therapist for yourself. My therapist and I already have the conversations about and how i can't control much of my son's behavior, and have to keep myself healthy. Easier said than done. I've become codependant and have a lot of trouble dealing with these decisions he's making.

My heart goes out to you, it must be so difficult having her so far away. I did that to my parents when I was 19, dropped out of college and ran away to another state with a boy. I feel so bad now for worrying my family. But my mom and I are very close now. Good luck to you, I hope things get better.