COMING UP: Topic Tuesday // Tues, 22 March, 7pm AEDT // Caring for someone with bipolar

[Mama_Penguin]

Thanks @NikNik 🙂
My husband takes our son to visit his psychiatrist in Sydney once a month. The psychiatrist usually has time with them separately, sometimes together. Our son also sees a psychologist from time to time. We've talked about having some regular 'family sessions' with her so that we can talk some of these issues / frustrations / goals together with her acting as a bit of a mediator...Thanks for reminding me to get on to that!

[Jane4]

@9350 thank you, I have asked if he will give myself or his long term girlfriend power of attorney, but he is refusing so far...will keep trying now I know it is a symptom.

[Jo]

Most carers experience a loss of confidence and self esteem. Many suffer guilt and feel as if they have somehow failed. When I was at an all time low, I decided to write in my journal, a list of the strengths and qualities I may have gained as a direct RESULT of being a carer. At first I couldn't think of anything. Then I realised that I had actually developed some strengths and qualities which I would never have gained had I not become a carer. I highly recommend doing this because it does make you feel a bit better. 

[Jane4]

@Jo yes my son can become the most caring person towards others, not so often with me.

[Jane4]

@Jo He is 25 and I have tried...but realise now that I must keep trying to get his longterm girlfriend to get a handle on it...as he won't let me.

[Mama_Penguin]

Hi @Jane4,

I hope I'm allowed to... its the Young Adult Mental Health Unit at St Vincent's Private Hospital in Sydney, also known as USpace. Google it to find out what they do - it really has been a life saver for us. Upside is that services include diet, exercise, goal setting, medication review, etc. Downside is you have to have private health insurance (unless you can fork out the $$$). Upside is if you do have private health insurance, it doesn't cost you a cent for 3 weeks of inpatient stay.

[Jane4]

@Mama_Penguin He is 25...he and his girlfriend of 8 years live in a self contained apartment below us, which is good because we can keep an eye on him, but difficult because we can't live our own lives.

[Jo]

Jayne4, I'm sorry to hear he is unable to show the same care/thoughtfulness to you as he does to others. Maybe it's all part of the whole scenario of 'having to be cared for'....an underlying resentment that he needs to be cared for. And since you're 'it', you cop it. It's a bit like that old adage, 'You always hurt the one you love'. 

[NikNik]

I agree @Jo
The carer role teaches us so much - both practical skill sets and also emotionally.

We have about 10 mins left - We would love to hear any last questions or your experiences you'd like to share.

[Mama_Penguin]

@Jane4, if your son is 25, he is the right age for USpace