[MADRE62]

Hi All! I am new to Psych Central and new to the SMI world, or should I say to the diagnosed SMI World. My 27 yr old son has been diagnosed SMI, Bipolar 1 w/ psychosis, acutely and persistently disabled. WOW. We have been on a roller coaster for the past 2.5 years since. My son is now in the hospital again, 7th time in the last 2 years. I don't know how to help him and I'm desperate. I love him so very much and hate to see him so tortured. I am looking for advice on how we can learn to live with this.

The medical facilities medicate him and turn him loose with no therapy as to what is going on with him...no explanations. We have been online and read so much and don't feel better. I have been told..."as long as he takes his meds he can lead a normal life"...NORMAL? What the **^% is that? I am in my angry mode...I'm sorry.

I want help.

WOW! is right "Madre". You have a major problem on your hands. Kudos to you for being that strong. Love drives us to go beyond what we are truely capable of. It's good that you have looked for information, that's a good start, but don't expect anyone else to do things for you. You do need to find a therapist; someone that is an expert in this field, cause it sounds like he has major episodes. It would also be good to look online for a book that explains the illness and a plan to manage it. They are out there. You have been around him long enough to know what his triggers are and when his mood is shifting. Just take a little while and breath. Sounds like you need it. Clear your mind, try to get some good rest and then start laying out a plan. Hang in there.

[hamster-bamster]

How do I deacronymize SMI - severe mental illness?

If you look at the sticky posts above the regular posts on this forum, you will see a thread on recommended books on Bipolar. That is where you would want to start.

[Victoria'smom]

I suggest look at intensive out patient as soon as he gets out. Medicaid does pay for intensive out patent. It is a day program with therapy and med adjustments as necessary. Usually it's a 2 month or longer program. Then you can find good group therapy and one-on-one therapy.

What is normal? The most a person can handle of daily life. I (bp1 w/ psychotic features, ED and other things) can generally handled a small family, and a home with help of a supportive family. So far I can't handle work or school, don't drive, and go to therapy about 3x a month. I'm back to seeing my psychiatrist 1x a month.

My husband (BP2, & ocd) can't work, helps keeping our house running, go to therapy about 2x a month. He's trying to find a new pdoc.
Our son (suspected Asbergers, & bp) Has therapy 3x a month & see's his pdoc every 3 weeks. He is home-schooled so he's less stressed.

Each person has to decide what they can handle with the help of others. I think normal is different for every person whether they have MI or not.