Please Help Bi Polar Emergency

Please help !!! Any advice would be appreciated. My son is 29 and suffers from BP disorder. He has been seeing a physiatrist for many years. He occasionally drinks alcohol to dull the pain. He was recently in a detox center to dry out for a few days. They took him off xanax for a day and he went into a seizure. He was recently released from the hospital and now stays in his apartment and refuses to see anyone. It kills me to see and hear him talk of suicide. These treatment programs are extremely expensive -- $20k plus --- I can’t seem to deal with him now … he is blank. He just tells me that he wants to get out of this life. They will not commit him into a hospital unless he consents and he will not do that. He has no insurance -- can anyone offer any suggestions? Please….
He is a really good guy with a bad disease. I am just out of ideas.
We live in New Jersey.
Thanks jerry

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Comment by dona on March 29, 2010 at 8:30pm: pleased look up National Alliance for Mentally Ill (NAMI) for your area. Bi Polar Disorder is a tough one and as you know those who suffer often drink to self-medicate the bad feelings....NAMI will give you support and vital information that might help you help your son....NAMI was created for families of those suffering with mental illness and is a lifesaver to many parents and families...I will pray for you and your son.

Comment by Andy on March 30, 2010 at 9:16pm: sounds like he has a drug and alcohol problem as well. i know because i had the same thing, all three and you really never know which is first, the drug and alcohol...then the depression or the other way around. of course both can lead to both. but i believe it's when finally a doctor realized i had BP and treated me for that, then I was able to deal with the other. i actually went to a out patient clinic that was free and the absolute best thing for me. i had to really look at what drugs did to people, young mothers, children, parents, etc. and sometimes you can't do anything for anyone at all except to love them and never give up. i know with me, if i had not gotten away from drugs and alcohol, no matter how many times i went to see someone for help, it wouldn't. i'm not in AA but i had to committe to get my life back and if that took to drinking, etc. i did. the only reason i speak so directly is because i have been there. i have a son who is 10 and i would do anything in the world for him and i'm sure you feel the very same way about your baby. i can't imagine anything more scary than mental illness and drug addiction. all i can say is never give up on him and hopefully when he looks up and is ready, he will have you there. i think having support groups is a good idea and you could also try allonon meetings (sorry about the spelling). good luck.

Comment by jerry on May 3, 2010 at 12:11pm: Andy and Dona -- thanks so much folks ..... both of your posts were very helpful.... Please keep Ryan in your prayers -- almost seems impossible sometimes .... again thanks so much for your input. any additional info would be appreciate ... God Bless.. Jer

Comment by Amy K on July 26, 2010 at 10:10pm: Hi Jerry,
I am so sorry for what you and your son are going through. I agree with Dona, NAMI is an excellent resource for you and you will find NAMI Mass here on WEGO Health. I am sure they could help you locate your local chapter if you need assistance.

A support group would be great for you as well and be a great place to talk with other parents going through this.

You can also call 1-800-273-TALK, Lifeline, they can give you helpful information for dealing with this situation, ways to help your son, and what to do if you believe your son is suicidal. Please do not hesitate to use that number. They are there to help you.

I will keep you and Ryan in my prayers.

Amy

Please Help Bi Polar Emergency

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