Hello everyone,
I am new to this site. I think I qualify as an exhausted parent. My 14 year-old has suffered with and was treated for what we thought was depression for several years, but had a crisis this month that required hospitalization. When he was released, he was worse off than when he went in, so he is now on his second hospitalization, and I think we have a diagnosis that is closer to the truth - bipolar II, which seems to fit all the problems he has been having. He is gentle, sensitive, artistic, empathetic, and totally overwhelmed by todays world. I have basically kept him safe for the last three years through sheer strength of will, the close relationship he and I have, and a great deal of driving back and forth to psychiatrists and psychologists.
1) How many people vote for commiting your child into the hands of strangers as the most difficult thing they have ever done (and please don't let there be anything more difficult)
2) Is it ok to take a breath and relax for the first time in years because I know that for right now, at least, he is safe and watched, and getting treatment and therapy.
3) Is there reason to hope that we can move forward from here toward a more stable and productive future for him?
He is on Depakote, Seroquel, and a touch of Wellbutrin, and they are now working on improving his focus and concentration. At different times in the past he has taken Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Abilify, Geodon, Respridol, Zoloft, Dexidrine, Ativan, and Xanax (disaster!).
Please tell me I am not alone, and neither is he.
I am new to this site. I think I qualify as an exhausted parent. My 14 year-old has suffered with and was treated for what we thought was depression for several years, but had a crisis this month that required hospitalization. When he was released, he was worse off than when he went in, so he is now on his second hospitalization, and I think we have a diagnosis that is closer to the truth - bipolar II, which seems to fit all the problems he has been having. He is gentle, sensitive, artistic, empathetic, and totally overwhelmed by todays world. I have basically kept him safe for the last three years through sheer strength of will, the close relationship he and I have, and a great deal of driving back and forth to psychiatrists and psychologists.
1) How many people vote for commiting your child into the hands of strangers as the most difficult thing they have ever done (and please don't let there be anything more difficult)
2) Is it ok to take a breath and relax for the first time in years because I know that for right now, at least, he is safe and watched, and getting treatment and therapy.
3) Is there reason to hope that we can move forward from here toward a more stable and productive future for him?
He is on Depakote, Seroquel, and a touch of Wellbutrin, and they are now working on improving his focus and concentration. At different times in the past he has taken Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Abilify, Geodon, Respridol, Zoloft, Dexidrine, Ativan, and Xanax (disaster!).
Please tell me I am not alone, and neither is he.