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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by spriggy on September 13, 2005, at 23:04:29
I think I need to try and understand bipolar a little better so I can understand my father a little better.
For whatever reason, although he is on Seroquel, Klonopin, Lexapro, and Lamictal, he seems to be in a constant Manic state.
As of late, he has not slept in FOUR entire days or nights. He went on a shopping spree (via internet) when he knew there was no money for rent.
He is now purchasing marijuana (and muscle relaxers) illegally.
I love my dad but this has been such a life long battle I have seen him struggle with. I am tired of it.
He is sick (physically and mentally). He doesn't see a psychiatrist- he only sees his regular GP.
He needs intense therapy, drug treatment (which is hard to do since he's a chronic pain sufferer!), and basically needs to learn some all around general "coping" skills.
Does BIPOLAR cause this type of behavior??
I want to be compassionate but as his daughter, I am soooo tired of his decisions effecting me, my mom, my sister negatively.
Frankly, I am sick of it and for the first time in my life, I have considered telling him to either get help or stay out of my life.
Man, I can't even believe I just wrote that.
Posted by needesp on September 14, 2005, at 7:04:24
In reply to Bipolar and drug abuse..., posted by spriggy on September 13, 2005, at 23:04:29
> I think I need to try and understand bipolar a little better so I can understand my father a little better.
>
> For whatever reason, although he is on Seroquel, Klonopin, Lexapro, and Lamictal, he seems to be in a constant Manic state.
>
> As of late, he has not slept in FOUR entire days or nights. He went on a shopping spree (via internet) when he knew there was no money for rent.
>
> He is now purchasing marijuana (and muscle relaxers) illegally.
>
> I love my dad but this has been such a life long battle I have seen him struggle with. I am tired of it.
>
> He is sick (physically and mentally). He doesn't see a psychiatrist- he only sees his regular GP.
>
> He needs intense therapy, drug treatment (which is hard to do since he's a chronic pain sufferer!), and basically needs to learn some all around general "coping" skills.
>
> Does BIPOLAR cause this type of behavior??
>
> I want to be compassionate but as his daughter, I am soooo tired of his decisions effecting me, my mom, my sister negatively.
>
> Frankly, I am sick of it and for the first time in my life, I have considered telling him to either get help or stay out of my life.
>
> Man, I can't even believe I just wrote that.
>
>HI Spriggy,
First of all I am not Bipolar. I am only someone who supports my son who has severe OCD and depression.
To feel frustration and even anger at the illness that is causing suffering in the family is totally normal and to express it (to others) can be very cathartic and freeing.
Its so obvious that you love your dad and your desire to understand his illness shows that love and committment.
I understand that when in a manic state those with Bipolar can have little if any insight into their behaviours and this can be very uncomfortable and trying for those who care. Not sleeping for days, spending sprees and drug abuse are classic (text book anyway) behaviours in a manic state.
It would be so much easier for all of you if he was under the care of a psychiatrist for his Bipolar.
Hang in there. I feel totally inadequate compared to others on this board but I do so understand how you are feeling
Keep well and stay strong
Posted by crazy teresa on September 14, 2005, at 8:35:10
In reply to Re: Bipolar and drug abuse..., posted by needesp on September 14, 2005, at 7:04:24
Sorry about your dad, spriggy. I've been there with my mom. Until she decieds to get help, my hands are tied, as are yours, and somedays just getting through the day is the best we can do.
I don't know if it would work, but what about an intervention type confrontation with a nuetral moderator present?
crazy t
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.
Posted by sleepygirl on September 14, 2005, at 19:07:22
In reply to Re: Bipolar and drug abuse...update!, posted by spriggy on September 14, 2005, at 11:41:26
Oh Spriggy! I just posted to you on the books board. I'm so glad he's making some progress, but I certainly appreciate your frustration. From what I remember about the book I posted you the author does pay some serious attention to what it takes to live within the limits this illness imposes - what I mean is the often found resistance to medication and denial.
I wish you all the best, and I feel the frustration. Take good care of spriggy!
Posted by crazy teresa on September 19, 2005, at 23:43:07
In reply to Re: Bipolar and drug abuse...update!, posted by spriggy on September 14, 2005, at 11:41:26
That is so wonderful!!!!! I will pray your father does well and that you, your mom, and the rest of the family can forgive him, heal and have a new begining together.
I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner. I am so excited for you. It must have been exhuasting to write the letter. You are very brave to have sent it!
crazy t
Posted by JaneB on September 20, 2005, at 10:18:12
In reply to Re: Bipolar and drug abuse...update!, posted by spriggy on September 14, 2005, at 11:41:26
This is the end of the thread.
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