Replies to 'Bipolar Disorder'

I had a son in high school and was forced to give him up for adoption.

I had a son at age 20 and his father denied him. This son has Schizophrenia. (since the age of 3)

I had a son at age 32 and his father denied him. I proved paternity. Bipolar is present in its' first stages. He is violent. I had him arrested and taken to jail. He noticed. He quit his violence toward me. (20)

I had a son at age 33 and married his father. His father left with the neighbor lady 30 days later. This child refuses to recognize he has major problems and continues to "mesh" with his girlfriend. (19)

I lost job after job. I've had 52 jobs in 25 years. Never recognized bipolar.

I have a bachelor and masters degree; but never used them. If you don't hear anything else...listen up! IF YOU CAN'T KEEP A JOB...DON'T GO BACK TO SCHOOL!

I got into drugs...and right back out. Not for me.

I've gone bankrupt 7 times.

I've mentioned some of my mania behavior. I can recognize it now that I'm 53. It's too late to reclaim my good family name. Most of the time I remain terribly depressed.

I don't know who I am. I can't stay "normal" long enough to claim a personality.

This is life...this is my life; and my children's life. I do wish doctors and script companies would quit advertising that bipolar can be controlled with medication. There is no medication for bipolar. There is medicine used for mania....and there is medication used for depression. There is no medication for both.

I know what it is like to be depressed. I know what it is like to be manic. I chose to get outside help for my children. Please do not try to help your bipolar children. It only confuses things. Be strong enough to hand them over to caring doctors and helpers. It is for their life that you should be strong. They deserve a life away from their sick parent(s). Give them a chance. Let them go.

Been There...Done That.