Was on lithium carbonate 300mg capsules: 3 caps twice/day and risperdal 2 mg: twice daily. Revealed to us recently that he has not been swallowing them. Is also hanging with a crowd of kids that are into vandalism, smoke and think that being in juvie is cool. Is failing at school, stays out all hours coming home only to sleep or abuse his mom (verbally abusive-cursing, making death threats, brandishing knives, etc), will not listen to us. We basically have little control over him. His latest thought is to be emancipated from us, but has no job or place to live beyond his friends parents homes. Is able to "maintain" outside of our home-at school and at friends homes. Am tempted to show said parents a copy of Jennifer Egans article to enlighten them about bipolar. We're worried that they may have easily accessible weapons and may have been misled by our son. Ms. Egans article, while maybe not being completely accurate, does serve to show others what life is like for caregivers and family.
Q: Son 16-6'8"-230 lbs. Refuses to take meds, failing in school, abusive at home, erratic.
i m bipolar. i understand. i went through the same thing.
my son was at that age, which is no excuse, he was
hanging around a bad crowd too. He became hostile,
verbally, abusive, punched a hole in the wall, etc.
when he stayed with friends, i always let him back in
i never turned him away, i had to call the police a few
times, eventually, he moved out, and got a job, made
new friends. Thank God, he s doing better today.
i had to protect myself, and then have patience.
But if he would have been diagnosed with bipolar,
and wasnt taking his meds......then i would get on the
phone and call an ambulance, i know a hospital isnt
there to condemn, they are there to help, and make sure
people are on the right medication, i think he needs to
be convinced that he needs his meds. by someone other
than you, since he s just in the rebellious stage.
and sounds like he is abusing a substance, which means
a hospital would be a good place to dry out. tell him
when you make a decision , its because you love him.
if he becomes physically violent, dont hesitate to call
for help.
Can really relate to what you're going thru, as my boy did much the same. I did tell friend's parents (and anyone I could reach) about his negative behavior. Really made him angry, but, as a minor, I was ultimately responsible for his stuff. I knew he'd never act out, except stealing, which I'd find about later (and, yes, I warned parents of this, too) because it was those he loved the most he'd yell at, wouldn't dare do it to a stranger. I had to say to myself, if these parents are going to take him in, they're, at the very least, forewarned.
And, sadly, I finally had to tell my son "no meds, no home here." He heard me.
Would love to read the "Jennifer Report." Where might I find it?
Stay calm. KJ
you poor thing, i dont know what to tell you, my mom sent me to a group home, and living with disturbed people made me agree to whatever terms are on the table, all i can say is get him out of your home, if he gets locked up, he will be forced to take his meds-and i do mean forced to take them- been in trouble with the law too, dropped out of school when i was 16-lived in the group home,and i was just full of rage..you dont know until looking back what a mess you were- unfortunately you cant make a person,even your son DO anything, god gave us free will for better or worse. you cant stop a freight train, sometimes it just has to run its course. i hate what i put my mother through -throughout those crazy years. it is only now do i recognized that, there is light at the end of the tunnel but it is a long road..i wish i could give you a hug, and tell you it will be alright- and i truly hope it will. best of luck,stay well.
i m bipolar. i understand. i went through the same thing.
my son was at that age, which is no excuse, he was
hanging around a bad crowd too. He became hostile,
verbally, abusive, punched a hole in the wall, etc.
when he stayed with friends, i always let him back in
i never turned him away, i had to call the police a few
times, eventually, he moved out, and got a job, made
new friends. Thank God, he s doing better today.
i had to protect myself, and then have patience.
But if he would have been diagnosed with bipolar,
and wasnt taking his meds......then i would get on the
phone and call an ambulance, i know a hospital isnt
there to condemn, they are there to help, and make sure
people are on the right medication, i think he needs to
be convinced that he needs his meds. by someone other
than you, since he s just in the rebellious stage.
and sounds like he is abusing a substance, which means
a hospital would be a good place to dry out. tell him
when you make a decision , its because you love him.
if he becomes physically violent, dont hesitate to call
for help.
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