Posted by Ricky on March 8, 2003, at 11:13:42
In reply to Bowden: Lamictal for Unipolar Depression/Anxiety, posted by Jack Smith on March 6, 2003, at 13:21:48
I am the adult son of a bipolar mother. Since I was 18 I have been responsible in some way for her care. She is noncompliant with meds very often and I have taken her for inpatient and outpatient care many times. She is now 64 and she is getting worse. She lives in her own house and can be self sufficient when compliant. It is a great burden many times. I probably myself suffer from mild forms of this illness. I have never used any medication (though at times I am sure I needed it), but I have made some really dumb personal choices. Is it possible that my level of illness has been made more minor since I have had to be so exposed to my mothers illness. Or have I just learned more self control due to necessity. I have had the same job for 20 years. I have been promoted and commended many times but I am not a socially popular person. I have lived in the same house for 15 years. Is is possible that I forced corrective behavior on myself for so long that in some way I lessened the illness. Or have I simply adapted and deep inside I am as ill as my mother and some day I will end up in a psych ward like her. Sorry if this sounds harsh.
poster:Ricky
thread:205791
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030306/msgs/207125.html