Bipolar Depression

Please help with any advise on coping with this diagnosis. I love my Mom so much but right now she is manic and I can't stand to be around her. I feel so guilty! I'm trying to remind myself that she can't help it but it's so hard! She has always been very good with budgeting money. She just went out shopping and spent $600 at one department store on numerous identical items. My Dad took the credit cards away. I don't even want to take my 8 yo son around her because she doesn't think before she speaks. My son is very close to both my parents and I don't want to hurt them but I'm worried about how her behavior will affect him. HELP ME, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!

My mother was bipolar but never officially diagnosed as such. In one regard I wish she had been, but then again she passed away in 1975. Back then the medications were not what they are today.

Is your mother in treatment? Medications along with counseling? Both are truly necessary.

I wasn't stable (I'm BP also) until I went inpatient for 10 days. Yea, it was uncomfortable, and yea, I met some pretty interesting folks - BUT I wouldn't be where I am here today. I still cycle and have good, bad, great and terrible days (sometimes all in the same day). But I am still moving up and to the right.

You can urge treatment and if she becomes a danger to herself or others, you can demand she be placed inpatient. You can also be supportive.

I hope this helps some.

Thank you so much for the reply. My Mom has been on Lexapro for a while and has taken herself off of it after doing some research. Her doc just diagnosed her with BP Monday a week ago and put her on Seroquel. She is aware that she has a problem and actually wants to be in the hospital until this mania subsides. We are trying to find a good psychiatrist in Cincinnati to help her because I don't feel that a PCP should be trying to follow her on this. I'm also nervous because my Mother-in-law is BP as well but hers is 10 x worse than my Moms. I worry for my son because of the family history. He is a normal happy, healthy child but it's a scary thought. My MIL began having episodes back in the 70's when they didn't know what they were dealing with. She had shock treatments, was arrested once, etc. I know my Mom is fortunate that there is so much more information and medication available now. We all, including her, want her to be better NOW. It's so hard. I know that I have to be more understanding and tolerant of her behavior. My Husband deals with her the best because he's used to living with BP. Of course, this is all new to my family and it's tough. Thanks again for replying back to me. I really need the support of people who know what's this is all about. I hope your doing ok and I'll keep you in my prayers. Keep me up on how you're feeling.

I forgot to add something for you. I highly recommend you go to yahoo and search for the "Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance" (DBSA). They hold meetings nationwide for sufferers and family members. They have had a strong effect on my recovery.

Thank you. I've already found one here in Cinti. that meets every Tues. night. Haven't gone yet but plan to. My Mom saw a psychatrist on Tuesday. She really liked her and is going to continue seeing her. She told my Mom that going off of the Lexapro was the right thing to do and upped her Seroquel from 50mg every night to 400mg (to be increased over time). Each day that I talk to my Mom she sounds better. Still a bit manic but much better. Thank goodness. I know that this is going to take some getting used to but we'll make it. She is excited about going to a support group. She's all for doing whatever it takes to get better. Thanks for listening!