Untreated mania

(BTW - I like your name. I started out here as "sadtee").

My thoughts were exactly the same about the Ritalyn. I never noticed any change except that he seemed to be able to study his Bible lessons without talking so much. I don't worry about suicide because the counselor said that he is too narcissistic...and that is so true! I have never heard him, even during guilt and apologies, say anything about feeling worthless or killing himself. His pattern is to blame me for everything that is wrong in his life when he doesn't meet his own expectations. This is hard for me and I get angry because I came from a poor family and was the oldest of 6 children...I was a single mother of 2 kids and worked and went to college! I just get so frustrated when he makes those accusations to me because he is basically lazy and unmotivated most of the time. He really has that "king of the castle" syndrome! Since not working due to my illnesses I get quite angry at his thoughless comments and accusations. I have been beating myself up over it until last night happened. It is one thing to be sick but entirely another when you won't help yourself...I am looking at it as if dealing with an alcoholic...illness is not an excuse for abuse.

"Is it normal for bipolar people to become physically violent?" Some do, some don't.

"illness is not an excuse for abuse." AMEN, SISTER!!!

I don't know about applying for FMLA in advance. Are you thinking he will have to serve jail time?

I also don't know if it would have made any difference what you told 911 you needed. They usually just send the cops, and they have to take him to jail unless they are suicidal.

No problem with the no contact at this point because I will be in Michigan and he will hopefully be able to keep staying with his mom. It is going to be hard to keep that up while he is looking for a job in Michigan right now...I just don't know how we are going to get through this...forest for the trees kind of thing.

My advice to you in getting thru your difficult situation right now--do it one day at a time. Trying to project beyond that is just too hard for you right now.

Sorry, too, to hear about your financial situation. I, too, am in the thick of it right there with you. I'm due to be laid off again within a couple of weeks, third time in a year. I figure my house will be going next and I'm deeply depressed over this right now and don't know what to do or how to get out of it...

That's good to know, the forclosure/bankruptcy info. We also are in terrible financial shape, and those thing are not out of the question for us either.

Warhorse,

Hang in there, you are not alone (what is this now, a financial disaster support group!!!). Karen's going back to work in the fall (teacher) but my job will be eliminated anywhere from 3 months to 1 year from now. I work in the automotive business and it's really bad now. I guess I gotta look on the bright side, I got Karen back!

Take care, Paul