Right off the bat -- sorry for the long post, and thanks for listening!!! At times, it is difficult for me to put thoughts into words/to properly explain my thoughts. Please bear with me.
I am glad I found these message boards. By reading and contemplating posts from others and what they have learned and been through, it has helped me recognize that my family can get through this, too, and also has affected my attitude and approach somewhat.
husband and I have backed off a bit, detached a bit; however, we still plan to provide necessities and emotional support for difficult child. After all, he still does have the rest of high school to finish, is a minor (I use that term loosely, as I have discovered on our "journey" that, in some respects, he is considered legally responsible; at least as far as his medical records, treatment, and confidentiality go), and he is in some ways very immature. He continues to need to have limits set, structure, and guidelines. Also, he greatly struggles with attention deficit disorder, which on a positive note, he has been taking charge of more, little by little. He now wants to take his medication. Previously, he was very reluctant to do so. He claims he recognizes the ADHD medication does make a difference for him. He takes Vyvanse (ADHD) and, not so long ago, started sertraline (generic Zoloft/anxiety).
Anyway, he will see his psychiatrist tomorrow for a medication check and I have more than once encouraged him to go over his concerns with her (he expresses multiple concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger; pretty scary sometimes, especially when he verbalizes he wants to hurt himself or others) to which he tells me, "She doesn't listen to me. I can't understand her." (His psychiatrist has an accent.) Hopefully, he will speak up.
He is also (separately) going through D&A outpatient partial program, and even though he gripes, I really do think it is making a difference for him. He has a wonderful counselor, who works primarily with adolescents.
I am glad I found these message boards. By reading and contemplating posts from others and what they have learned and been through, it has helped me recognize that my family can get through this, too, and also has affected my attitude and approach somewhat.
husband and I have backed off a bit, detached a bit; however, we still plan to provide necessities and emotional support for difficult child. After all, he still does have the rest of high school to finish, is a minor (I use that term loosely, as I have discovered on our "journey" that, in some respects, he is considered legally responsible; at least as far as his medical records, treatment, and confidentiality go), and he is in some ways very immature. He continues to need to have limits set, structure, and guidelines. Also, he greatly struggles with attention deficit disorder, which on a positive note, he has been taking charge of more, little by little. He now wants to take his medication. Previously, he was very reluctant to do so. He claims he recognizes the ADHD medication does make a difference for him. He takes Vyvanse (ADHD) and, not so long ago, started sertraline (generic Zoloft/anxiety).
Anyway, he will see his psychiatrist tomorrow for a medication check and I have more than once encouraged him to go over his concerns with her (he expresses multiple concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger; pretty scary sometimes, especially when he verbalizes he wants to hurt himself or others) to which he tells me, "She doesn't listen to me. I can't understand her." (His psychiatrist has an accent.) Hopefully, he will speak up.
He is also (separately) going through D&A outpatient partial program, and even though he gripes, I really do think it is making a difference for him. He has a wonderful counselor, who works primarily with adolescents.