Parents of Bipolar Children Support Group

I a m 60 yo divorced and the father of 2 bi-polar grown children, 36 and 40. I also live with my 86 year old father who suffers from dementia and am his primary caregiver. I work full time also. My daughter has tried to OD twice in 2.5 weeks, the latest episode coming earlier today. There are so many other factors involved that it would take me volumes to go into. My son is now in an episode also and that usually means he will stay "gone" for 2-3 months. What Im really writing this for is some suggestions as to handle the situation emotionally and mentally. I have to stay strong to be there for my dad, it is getting tougher and tougher all of the time.

Hi Tom,

Welcome, and I am so sorry for what you are experiencing. I am new to the group also, but I have found the support and wisdom found here to be invaluable, and I know you will find similar support. I was looking for support and had gone to a NAMI (National Asoociation of the MEntally Ill) support group. It was not the right fit for me, because all the people attending were parents of adult children (with adult issues - different from mine as the parent of an 11 year old bp son) but it sounds like it might be a great fit for you. Chek it out!

I hope you feel the freedom to discuss and vent with this group and share your experiences. There are so many people here already who have given me strength to continue through a very tough situation. Share your highs and lows with them and learn from the groups collective wisdom. I hope you find it as valuable as I have.

I pray for you as I do for every member of this group. Stay strong!

Hi Tom -- and I do hope that the support you find here is what you need. My daughter is BP and 23; I lost my dad to Alzheimer's 2-1/2 years ago; my mom is in Florida (I'm in Virginia) and she's not well. And it is HARD to do all this alone! So I understand your need to reach out for some understanding... our stories are the same, yet different, and it's the common threads that bring us here.

*hug*

Welcome to our group. I too am sorry for what you are having to endure.

Your priority right now is staying strong for both you and your dad.

Your kids are adults and you have limited control over their decisions.

I know it must break your heart to see them making poor decisions knowing you are helpless to intervene.

Do either of your kids actually live with you? For your sake, I hope not. You have enough to do without having to babysit an adult child!

As parents we may give our kids wings, but they have to learn how to fly on their own. And sometimes they crash. All we can do is stand on the sidelines and watch with bated breath at their efforts.

Hey Tom, Welcome to the group. I also have elderly parents and my Dad is just now showing signs of dementia. They live up the street from me and I check in on them every day. I never know what I might walk into so I can sort of relate. Right now they are living independently, however, they do require a lot of help from me and my brothers. I can't imagine what it would be like to work full-time and have them live with me. You have to be a special person and a great son to do what you are doing. I wish for you much stregth and perseverance to continue doing what you are doing.

I know your kids are adding to your burden but like lillipets said they are old enough to do their own thing. You never stop being a parent but they don't always want or accept your help.

I'm sorry you are going through this right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you.