You got it! Oh, nanny, I'm so sorry. Hoping he can see
the need for help, soon.

Nanny, I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. I've watched a close friend and her son who we love very much take this journey for the last several years now. Two books you might find helpful if you haven't already,
An Unquiet Mind, Kay Redfield Jamison
And more recently, the NIMH has given this one praise for families dealing with mental health issues of a loved one....I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help!, Dr. Xavier Amador. I haven't read I Am Not Sick yet, but my friend whose son is ill has and recommends it.

Oh Nanny, I can only imagine the heartache and worry. You will be in many prayers and good thoughts.

You will be in my prayers for making the right decisions. Bipolar is nothing to mess around as there are many in the norther tier states that have it. It is worst in spring and fall, I have been told. Did he ever have his Vit D checked? If not, encourage him to do so.

So sorry for all you and your son have had to go through. Keeping you in my prayers.

Sue

((((nanny))))

I'm so sorry Nanny. It must be so difficult to deal with this with your loved one. Hugs & good thoughts to you.

I too am so sorry will be praying for you.I have a friend who has BB Some time I think my sister has it also.I have watch my friend go up and down so hard.

I'm sorry for your troubles, but will add all of you to my prayers.

Prayers for you, Mom. Be strong. I dealt with mental issues with my son from when he was 16. Voluntary hospitalizations. Outpatient treatments. He's not bi-polar, so I don't know anything about that. But after 15 years of HELL he's stable on meds. And getting married to a SUPER gal in August. Have hope. And find the right Docs -- even if it takes FOREVER. I should have fired Docs along the way. I didn't know any better then. And READ, READ about bipolar. I fought for my son and HE WON! It sucks as Mom to go through that, but he/I eventually won the fight. You 2 can too!

I'm so sorry. I, too, have an adopted daughter with Bi-Polar and she refuses treatment. It's impossible to do help them when they refuse treatment and also won't return your calls. My thoughts are with you and I hope all ends up well!
Eileen

Thanks for the kind words and wonderful prayers. Our son is 54....has been struggling for many years (since teens) and most of that time under Dr. care and meds that work. This is one of those "events" that I have read about, where the patient thinks they have won the battle and refuse to take the meds. It is scary to witness those 'demons' that overtake the minds and bodies of our children, no matter what their age. Our police dept has been absolutely wonderful and understanding and in every respect concerned about his rights. Medical professionals too, but it is VERY frustrating that they can tell us nothing about his condition or anything. THE LAW....sucks, but it IS to protect him.(I think)

We have had an email...very long, very lucid, dis-owning us, but he is on his own journey, for awhile, and we must respect that.

Many Thanks!

Oh Nanny my thoughts are with you. I am so sorry your DS is going through such a scary cycle. It is so hard to stand by and watch our loved ones helpless to do anything to help them.

Regarding the disowning and the hurtful words try to t remember it is not he that is saying them but his disease.

You are very lucky to have an understanding police dept. Ours is horrible in dealing with mental illness.

Sending thoughts that he will come off the manic cycle of this horrific illness and be ready to talk and seek real help again soon.

I don't know if I posted about NAMI to u you before but I know their support saved my own sanity when DH was going through a bad phase. I'm posting the link.

I also highly recommend Anne Sheffield's books. If you Google her name and the word depression you can find her website which has forums both for those suffering from depression and/or bipolar disease and those who love them and care about them.

Here is a link that might be useful: NAMI

nanny, I feel your pain. It has been 6 years since my daughter passed away indirectly caused by the bipolar disorder that plauged her for the last 25 of her 45 years.
NAMI helped us through some tough times with her. Yes, it is so difficult to have to stand by when our children are suffering.

So sorry you and your son have to go through this. Such a difficult situation. Thinking of you and wishing both of you the best, Nanny.

A friend's highly intelligent DD showed signs of mental imbalance as a young child, but was only diagnosed schizophrenic after starting college. Her illness has had her careening through life for 45 years, making confused choices, including having transient affairs, resulting in two children she is incapable of raising.

Nanny, this DD also blames her parents for her condition. To preserve THEIR sanity, they have set rules on contact. They help support her in a location of her choosing that is thousands of miles away. Otherwise, they would ALL be living on the her rollercoaster -- as you are describing, Nanny. This caring separation has saved my friend's marriage. It allows her to live the rest of her own life, including relationships with other family members who are not impaired.

No child or parent should have these troubles. It's heartbreaking to see someone you love go from crisis to crisis. If you can't help...and may in fact be contributing to the problems...would more distance help?

Nanny, so sorry you are going through this painful time, and I hope that your son will eventually see he needs help and you will be able to heal from this hurt.

I'm so sorry for your heartache, Nanny. My husband's niece has gone through this and had one setback last year, but now she is doing well. It sounds like you know just how to handle the situation, though that doesn't make it any easier. It's good that law enforcement people are understanding and helpful and I second the idea of contacting NAMI--they are a wonderful group.