Bad weekend, need my friends...

[lttlmc3]

As a lot of you remember, my husband, Shannon, was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder last Sept. It's been a struggle since then, but lately we really thought we had a hold of it. Well, unknown to me, he stopped taking his medicine. He felt so good, he thought he didn't need it. Well, yesterday he went manic and spent the day gambling online and lost a lot of money (I was out with my mother and had no clue). Then we got into an argument and he left. I was then called by him at two in the morning and asked to come pick him up at a local bar because he was being kicked out. They bouncers at this bar thought he was drunk (he wasn't) and when confronted, he tried to fight them. He didnt win of course, but it ended with him being dragged through the parking lot and now he has scratches all down his back. When I got there, he told me he hadn't taken his meds in a week, and had a major breakdown. Fortunately the bouncers understood and I was able to take him home and get him to take his medicine and get him to bed.
I've been told that sometimes, bipolars will do this. They will think they are well and stop the medicine. I just had no idea that he would be able to hide it so well until he just completely breaks down. I feel guilty for not seeing it sooner and not doing something about it.
It's strange, it's just so much easier to tell online friends about this, rather than my friends here.

 

[disneydreamer1970]

My best friend's DH is Bipolar and her 10 year old DD was just diagnosed, so I often see what she goes through! I am sending lots of hugs your way!!

Trish

 

[Mouse Skywalker]

You've got friends here LittleMc. I'm so sorry to hear about all this. What a tough time for you. I wish you all the best. You're in my thoughts.

 

[Launchpad11B]

As a lot of you remember, my husband, Shannon, was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder last Sept. It's been a struggle since then, but lately we really thought we had a hold of it. Well, unknown to me, he stopped taking his medicine. He felt so good, he thought he didn't need it. Well, yesterday he went manic and spent the day gambling online and lost a lot of money (I was out with my mother and had no clue). Then we got into an argument and he left. I was then called by him at two in the morning and asked to come pick him up at a local bar because he was being kicked out. They bouncers at this bar thought he was drunk (he wasn't) and when confronted, he tried to fight them. He didnt win of course, but it ended with him being dragged through the parking lot and now he has scratches all down his back. When I got there, he told me he hadn't taken his meds in a week, and had a major breakdown. Fortunately the bouncers understood and I was able to take him home and get him to take his medicine and get him to bed.
I've been told that sometimes, bipolars will do this. They will think they are well and stop the medicine. I just had no idea that he would be able to hide it so well until he just completely breaks down. I feel guilty for not seeing it sooner and not doing something about it.
It's strange, it's just so much easier to tell online friends about this, rather than my friends here.

Best wishes to your family.

 

[wishspirit]

Sending my best wishes, it must be very difficult for you right now. At least he knows that its working for him, and that he needs to stay on them.

All my love!

 

[jeanigor]

As a lot of you remember, my husband, Shannon, was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder last Sept. It's been a struggle since then, but lately we really thought we had a hold of it. Well, unknown to me, he stopped taking his medicine. He felt so good, he thought he didn't need it. Well, yesterday he went manic and spent the day gambling online and lost a lot of money (I was out with my mother and had no clue). Then we got into an argument and he left. I was then called by him at two in the morning and asked to come pick him up at a local bar because he was being kicked out. They bouncers at this bar thought he was drunk (he wasn't) and when confronted, he tried to fight them. He didnt win of course, but it ended with him being dragged through the parking lot and now he has scratches all down his back. When I got there, he told me he hadn't taken his meds in a week, and had a major breakdown. Fortunately the bouncers understood and I was able to take him home and get him to take his medicine and get him to bed.
I've been told that sometimes, bipolars will do this. They will think they are well and stop the medicine. I just had no idea that he would be able to hide it so well until he just completely breaks down. I feel guilty for not seeing it sooner and not doing something about it.
It's strange, it's just so much easier to tell online friends about this, rather than my friends here.

I've been in his spot. It's a tough place to be.

to you and him. Stick in there.

 

[Bornteach]

Little MC -

It is almost like a cruel joke, someone takes the meds, feels better and then wants to stop taking it. Only to find out, you REALLY do need it.

I am so sorry for what you are going through!

Sending lots of warm fuzzies your way!

 

[FireDancer]

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that. One of my good friends is a psychologist and she says it is very common with mental disorders for patients to stop taking their meds because they feel "cured". I do hope it turns into a one-time mistake for your husband.

 

[carol1231]

I'm sorry that this has happened for you and your family. I hope and pray that if this happens again, you will see some signs and be able to help him get back on track before he goes to far again. You and your family will be in my prayers

 

[cocowum]

As a lot of you remember, my husband, Shannon, was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder last Sept. It's been a struggle since then, but lately we really thought we had a hold of it. Well, unknown to me, he stopped taking his medicine. He felt so good, he thought he didn't need it. Well, yesterday he went manic and spent the day gambling online and lost a lot of money (I was out with my mother and had no clue). Then we got into an argument and he left. I was then called by him at two in the morning and asked to come pick him up at a local bar because he was being kicked out. They bouncers at this bar thought he was drunk (he wasn't) and when confronted, he tried to fight them. He didnt win of course, but it ended with him being dragged through the parking lot and now he has scratches all down his back. When I got there, he told me he hadn't taken his meds in a week, and had a major breakdown. Fortunately the bouncers understood and I was able to take him home and get him to take his medicine and get him to bed.
I've been told that sometimes, bipolars will do this. They will think they are well and stop the medicine. I just had no idea that he would be able to hide it so well until he just completely breaks down. I feel guilty for not seeing it sooner and not doing something about it.
It's strange, it's just so much easier to tell online friends about this, rather than my friends here.

My Dad is Bipolar. He was diagnosed when I was a kid. It's a long, hard road I know. 's to you during this tough time.

 

[DVCsince02]

Sending good thoughts and pixiedust.

 

[georgemoe]

Prayers to you and you DH LilMc.

 

[halliesmommy01]

Sending Prayers, Positive thoughts and Pixie Dust your way.

Know that we are here for you.

Becky

 

[*NikkiBell*]

lttc, I definitely feel that I can relate. As a teacher of many students with special needs, it is quite common for people to feel they are "better" or "too good" to take their medicine. Last year, I had a student with bipolar disorder and this was very common. What became even more frustrating was when his mother would not give him his medicine because she felt that he was better or "doing okay." Hang in there. It will get better. Hugs.

 

[Annette_VA]

Sending good thoughts your way!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

I wish the best for you and your family. Don't blame yourself - sometimes we're given these "learning experiences" to help us continue to grow and become stronger adults. Best thing we can do is learn from them and move forward proactively.

My advice - one thing you can do to help him is to routinely check with him about his meds. Talk about how he would like you to be a part of this, and then do it gently, so it becomes part of your expression of love and caring for him, and not a nagging.

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Sending lots of prayers and thoughts your way. That is very common. I hope things improve quickly.

 

[AnneR]

I am so sorry this is happening to you and your family. The good news is that there are effective medications to help people manage this illness. The bad news is that they can lead people to believe that they are cured and they stop taking medicine.

I work for a mental health center, one of the suggestions we make to families is to connect with their local chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. This is a family network. They have many programs and support groups for family members.

Hope your week gets better for you.

Anne

 

[Tonya2426]

So sorry you are having a tough time. Chronic illnesses - mental or physical - have a learning curve so just chalk it up to a lesson learned and forgive yourself because it isn't your fault. Things will get better!!!

 

[bcvdreamer]

I have a friend who is bipolar who stopped taking meds. It's hard to watch someone you care about go through a difficult time. Please don't blame yourself.