Posted by spriggy on September 14, 2005, at 11:41:26
In reply to Re: Bipolar and drug abuse... » needesp, posted by crazy teresa on September 14, 2005, at 8:35:10
I sat down on Friday and wrote a very long, detailed letter to my dad about how his decisions/mental illness (which I understand is not his fault however, he will not get proper treatment for it!) has effected me.
I was specific about instances that happened to me as a kid (with his drug abuse) and shared my heart on paper like I've never done before.
It wasn't hateful or condemning, but it was something that I honestly have needed to do for myself (and for him) for a loooong while.
We are 2,000 miles apart so I can't just drive over and talk to him about it. Plus, I'm better on paper than in words.
Well, last night, he called me crying. He received my letter yesterday afternoon. He said for the first time in his life, the reality of his problems (mental health) has hit him.
Quite honestly, even though he is classic TEXTBOOK Manic depressive (and a had a mother with it), he has been in completely denial about it.
He admitted to me he has stopped taking his meds over the last few months; Seroquel and Lamictal (BINGO! No wonder he's been nuts!).Anyway, he called crying and asked me to please forgive him, to pray for him to get help, he says he wants so badly to change but honestly doens't know how. He really humbled himself and sounded soooo broken (and it broke my heart!).
We were on the phone until almost midnight crying together, talking, praying..
He had my mother drive him to the mental health center and has an appointment with a psychiatrist who is a Christian, and who also treated my dad's mother with her bipolar.
THIS IS A START..
I know my dad can't just wish away his bipolar, all I want is for him to get help and WORK on making better choices.
I don't know, I feel hopeful for once about him.
poster:spriggy
thread:554875
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050914/msgs/554988.html