Josh continues to be OK off of his medicine. I would say that he's not quite as good as he was while on it, but he's doing OK.
He's completely supporting himself, is maintaining a relationship with his girlfriend and the two of them got a kitten that he keeps at his apartment. He's been amazingly responsible and manages to keep his collective shit together.
I feel truly blessed.
But spring looms right up ahead there, and I'm concerned for him. Nothing would make me happier than to see him sail right through March and April, but history tells me that the likelihood of that happening is slim.
And if he does cycle, I have no idea how far down he'll allow himself to get before he reaches out for help.
I do know one thing. I've learned so much over the last couple of years and I know that this is HIS journey and that HE gets to make the decisions about his life.
I also know from past experience that he has a breaking point; a point that he reaches where he feels he can't go on in that state any longer and he asks for help.
He has shifted back into denial about having bipolar, but he's a very intelligent young man. I think if he were faced again with hypomania, he'd recognize it for what it was.
I continue to be heartbroken by the comments and emails I receive from other parents who are struggling through life with a bipolar child. It's a difficult path to walk and 'the system' does such a poor job of educating and supporting both the patient and their loved ones.
3 comments:
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am dealing with my daughter who also has bi-polar. It has been a long road and a struggle for our entire family. She is not wanting to take medications so we are trying to do as much research as possible. That is how I came across your blog. You have given me a lot of information and hope. I feel like I am not alone and I know what you are going through. Thank you again for sharing! You have no idea how much you have impacted me!!
I am sorry what you are going through I have 2 sons One of them has general anxiety and depression it gets frustrating I hope your son does not cycle anymore
Hello,
Our stories are remarkably similar, even the timeline! I too am learning the lesson about "HIS journey" and "HE gets to make the decisions about his life" - well put. That is a big lesson and it's scary, but also freeing. My son also is going w/out meds but is in therapy and seems to have more self-awareness. One book I would recommend to people struggling with wanting loved ones to be on meds - "I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help" - very helpful - and also the National Alliance on Mental Illness Family-to-Family course and support groups. Best wishes and I will keep in touch! - Betsy
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