bipolar for 18 years and struggling to find a balance

I have been diagnosed for 18 years with bipolar disorder and am struggling to find a balance in life. I am also a mother of a bipolar child that was diagnosed 3 years ago and I am just exhausted in every way...Any advice? Or maybe someone that can relate?

I don't know, I hope I can as well find a balance in live, but sometimes I think live is always changing, we are always learning; we face new challenges and become better persons. There will be times when kaos will strike, it's an inevitable part of life but also a very important part of life; it's from there that we regain strength, new perspectives! However, I know you feel. I seek balance as well, at least for a while. So I can breathe, idk!

Hi, welcome. How old is your child? My 2 older children have bp dx, ages 18 & 17, it's been an exhausting nightmare for at least 5 years. Add on on their dad abandoned them and their drug problems, it's been horrible. I can relate.

Hi welcome. How old is your son? Both my husband and I are bi-polar. It looks like my son is too. The only advice I can offer is to simplify life as much as possible.

Hello, my son is twelve years old and has suffered more at his age then I had just begun to at twelve. It was 3 yrs ago that he was diagnosed and it has been very hard for me being bipolar as well, watching him in pain and knowing I can't fix it. All I can do is love him and hope he learns something positive everyday to keep his suffering to a minimal. Hugs and prayer

I have definitely tried to keep it simple amd have to due to anxiety attacks and both of our social anxiety issues. How old is your son? My little man is twelve. I can hardly handle going out at this point. Meds that I am on aren't working and I have an appt with doc next week but it seems as though I have been waiting a lifetime. Hope to hear more.

I was diagnosed with bp 17 years ago and have not been able to find balance. I have a 21 year old daughter who is not bp but suffers from depression and anxiety.

I can definately relate to the social anxiety issues. I myself can not leave the house by myself. I will be starting with a new pdoc in April. I am hoping for something new, something useful. Welcome!

MiguelsMom has awesome advice, keep it as simple as possible. Take small steps, get your meds in order so you can help him.... like they say on the airplane, apply your oxygen mask first or you won't be able to help anyone else.

Things that help with my son have been learning to not be pushy with him, choose my battles, if I have to walk away - tell him I love him but need a 10 minute break - they like to have an idea of an exact time you will stick to. (then i go cry in my bathroom by myself)

Also I notice with my son, he ALWAYS says NO about anything I ask him to do, so I give it space and he ends up doing the thing I asked. But for some reason he has to say no first. My son also has something going on like conduct disorder so it's in addition to the bp apparantly cuz not all bp get violent rages, etc.

My son is 10.5. I hope the Dr. can help.

I too am struggling with finding a balance, and I have only been bi-polar for three years. As a matter of fact, I see my doctor on Wednesday. I need to talk to her about this depressive funk I have been in despite religiously taking my medications. Actually, I am in mania now, so I am still swinging around. You're not alone.