I wrote earlier that I had a horrific downswing yesterday – it was awful! I woke up fine this morning. This is just further proof that this illness can be so random and chemical. If you or someone you care about has just come home from the hosptial- it’s important to remember that the body gets very, very worn out after bad episodes. Our bodies go through extreme physical shock during serious mood swings- especially with a full blown manic episode. It’s as though we have run a marathon- our bodies give out eventually.
I remember when my former partner Ivan was in the hospital. I went to see him every day- and he was just so tired a lot of the time. He was in restraints for over two months. If the staff took off the restraints he got very agitated. His strength was unbelieveable. He’s such a mild manered guy. All of this was a terrible experience as no one really explained what was going on.
When he came home- he was just literally worn out. We all thought he should go back to work! Get his act together!I am appalled now that I thought that way. This is before I knew I had the illness
Hi Julie,
I can relate to your horrible downswing – it’s like surfing a wave and being thrown into the churning water. You don’t know if you’re going to drown or come up for air and fighting it is exhausting. I never thought of the physical toll – thanks for the reminder and I’m glad you came through the other side.
I apologize for being off topic.
I’m bipolar and my 23 y.o. son was just diagnosed bipolar. He is also starting med school which is full of triggers (stress, late hours, unpredictable schedules). I’ve agreed to live with him and help him through the next year (at least) but I’m concerned about two bipolars – especially mother/son living and trying to maintain stability and sanity in the same house. Any thoughts? How do parents/adult children manage under the same roof especially when their illness is in swing (literally)?
Hi Julie,
My nephew was diagnosed with bipolar about 18 years ago. He was put on lithium but discontinued use a little over a year ago and went on a system called “Truehope”. Unfortunate a couple of months ago he had a lot of problems, and eventually ended up going into a program at Bridgesrecovery in LA.
The Doctor there has changed his diagnosis to “Schizoaffective”. I don’t understand this and have spoken with both his Psychiatrist and his Psychologist, they have not given me an understandable answer for this change. They said he must show signs of psychotic behavior for at least two weeks without mood swings to confirm this diagnosis. He was only in the program for 4 days before this diagnosis, I don’t feel that it is accurate and I am concerned that they now have him on rispidol. Can you give me any advice or tell me where to get some.
Thanks,
It is a lot when you get out of the hospital. My boyfriend has been in twice since we have been together. It seems that the depression sits in with him right away after getting the mania under control. He is fighting the exhaustion of his body from the hospitalization and the mania and depression on top of it. It is rough and hard to understand, as an outsider but a lot of your materials and reading this blog have helped me to understand instead of get frustrated and have unreasonable expectations. Thanks!
You are very welcome. I went through the three month hospitalization of my partner in 1994. It was hard to say the least. Have you read Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder? I wrote that book about our experience. Our relationship was very good after we both got more stable. When a person has bipolar disorder, they can be more stable than most as they have to examine their moods all of the time! Your boyfriend is lucky to have you! Julie