Adam update

OK well I have some good news to report. this past week dam was excepted to the Nick amster Workshop. That is a sheltered work shop that will help him work and will also transport him to and from it. But some one stole his computer and all of his Cd's and his IPOD. while he was in the hospital for a suicide attempt. He also lost his car. It tore up. So he is better and is on the way up and is excited about the workshop. So keep praying.I will try to keep updates. better and more often

Adam update

Well this has been a bad week, Adam wrecked his car and now has nothing to drive. so he is still trying to get a way to church. So I am praying that he get in to the sheltered work shop. That will at least give him something to do. So every one keep praying for us things sem to go from bad to worse.

kathy

OK this has been a bad weekend. And to boot my social security was denied for the second time. We could sure use some help. Adam is doing real good and he is on medicaid and getting cash assistance. . I am having a nervous break down. so every one pray for us. We could sure use the lord help. we are having a hard time paying are bills, so pray for us.

updates for me

OK first it has been a long time since i updated this. for that I'm sorry. But Adam is doing real good and his medicaid is in place and he has his financial assistance in place. But money is a real problem for us and we are having a trouble with money . I have had some nerve trouble and i am on medication for it. The doctor says i am going to have a nervous breakdown if things don't change. So pray for me and for a money situation. we sure could use the lords help.

ok hers whats going on

Adam finally got his medicaid and his finacial assistance today, So we are on the right way. I am having some issues my self So keep praying for us. I hope every one is dong ok. let me know how you are,

Adam update

Well Adam got fired this weekend. He worked at a restaurant called Ruby Tuesdays and they said couldn't work fast or neat enough. is there any one who will give him a chance and work with him. I am getting tired of all the bad stuff happening I wish the lord would bless us . we cant hardly pay are bill let alone help with Adams bills. Every one pray for us. we could sure use his help.

Good and Bad News

OK this has been a REAL bad weekend. First my husbands brother Allen Died this morning. And Cliff is having a hard time with this. Good news is Adam Got a job this weekend. And his medicaid card was approved. Also the radiator in my car broke and the parts store ordered the wrong part. So keep praying for us. we sure need it and we are having a hard time money wise to.

update on adam

I have good news about Adam he was approved for a medicaid card and had a job interview at Wendy's on Friday. So everything is looking up and just pray for him. Also remember my brother in low he was diagnosed with cancer. But the doctor said he is in the early stages and should be fine. Also cliffs is dying so remember us. It is hard on cliff he is having a hard time with his brother dying.

About me

Well I am not happy about anything that has happened. Adam is having a hard time bipolar makes it so hard. Some one said on my last post not to tell them. But that is hard to do. Because it is not something that you can hide for long. It is something that people notice. He has a chance to get a good job and I hope he gets it.My nerves are shot and I am having panic attacks and I am not sure how much more I can take. Everyone please pray for us. Cliff car broke Friday at work and now I have no way to get anywhere. So every one pray for us.

For Clff

One thing I would like to let people know is that although I have a blog I don't spend all my time blogging. And there is not much information on Bipolar disorder. Although Adam does desperately need a job. And I am here to tell you the Job market sucks for most people. But mentally ill ones it is worse. If you are the one who does the hiring think about it first. Adam is a hard working person and is honest with people and cant get a job.

Bipolar Update

I have learned something new today. My friend told me that an allergist told her to stop taking her medication. She is also Bipolar and he says it can effect the results of the allergy tests. So she has been a whole 2 weeks with out it. And is now starting it back up. So my question is if it effects these test . what Other test does it also effect? And just for the record adam has started taking classes for state tested nurses aid. Pray that he passes the test and gets a job.

adam update

Well we got Adam moved. But we like to worked are selves to death. Adam and Cliff were moving a couch and got the dump thing stuck half way up to steps. took us and hour and half to get it up stairs. If it hadn't be so hard it would have been funny. And with two trips to rittman and several down the road we got him moved. But we finally got him moved and but together at about 5 pm last night and im here to tell you we were worn out last night. but he has a nice apartment. He seems to like it so im glad.

adam

Adam apartment update

Well thanks to a few garage sales and People to People ministries Adam now has almost everything he needs. The only thing he still needs is lamps and mini blinds. So we are in good shape. Cliff and I were able to see the place yesterday. It is a pretty nice place. And the land lord seems to be a fair man so that is a blessing. I think this is going to work out OK. Keep praying for him.

I have been better with the panic attacks. But I am still not good. I don't go anywhere cliff cant go to. I did go to my dads yesterday. But walmart was tough for me.

Panic Attacks

I have been having massive panic attacks.I wish this was like the flu and would just go away. I am afraid to leave the house. I am afraid of strangers. I wish there was some one else like me. I feel so alone. If there is someone else I would sure like to here from you. Like what was your experience ? What did you do and how did you get over it?

this weekend

Ok well we have have had a good weekend. Adam is doing good. And is excited about moving in to his new appartment. We have a busy day and for the fist time I saw my new Nephew. He is so cute. Not as cute as my grandchildren. lol But any way we had a good time and was nice to see all of them. My dad is doing good. This is the first time he has been able to stand all of us there at one time. But we found adam a microwave. My daughtner gave him one. SO that was real nice of her. I have to say I am pround of all my children.

Adam

Just wanted to up date you. Adam has been qualified for a government program called S PLUS. It helps him move out on his own and pays his rent. they counseling center has even found away to pay his security deposit. We have been hunt things for his apartment. We went to a garage sale and bought a sweeper ,and sheets a toaster and a wok all for 15.00. then this afternoon he found silver ware and glasses at the good will. for 8.00. So I think all he needs is a small kitchen table and curtains and cookers. So he is doing good and is real excited about be on his own. I got to tell you it is about time things started going good for us. It has been a bad couple of years.

The Man

OK well this was cliffs idea so here goes. I have this reoccurring Nightmare where I am being chased by this man. I can even tell you what he looks like. He is tall and has long brown hair and has it in a pony tail. But just as he is about to grab me i wake up screaming the man is coming. Well here is the funny part. when cliff leaves for work he tells me all kinds of funny things to solve the problem. Like this morning he told the man had a flat tire and couldn't come. One day he told me that he told him not to come. One time he told me he had engine trouble in his car. But we laugh about this all the time. So i hope some one else can laugh to.

Me

Well I have had a rough week. My son is doing better. The Halidol seems to be helping alot. But I have had one panic attack after another. I have applied for social security and am hoping it goes through soon. I am afraid to leave the house. I don't go anywhere cliff cant go with me. This is all of a sudden for me. It is crippling. How Do I get rid of it. It seems to be getting worse and not better. . If someone has a way to help this i would appreciate the help. Financially things are real tight. that doesn't help any. If you pray start with me.

saturday

Well last night we went out on a date. Cliff and I had a good night. We also did some shopping and mostly had a good night. And Adam is doing OK. the Halidol seems to be helping. He is sleeping better.So I think things are on the way up. But I do hope the Social security I applied for comes through.

Also It is important to take care of your self. Some time I think we get so involved in taking care of other people we forget about are selves. I know Cliff and I do.

bipolar and my son

Adam is doing OK. the doctor put him on a new medication called Halidol. And he told him not to drive for two weeks. I hope it helps. If there is any one who knows anything about this drug let me know. I would like to know if not driving is a pernamate thing. I hope not.

Also I would like to thank Michelle Dawn. The little frog is cute and I like the fact that it says to rely on god. It was a very kind thing to do. I have had a real bad couple of weeks and needed a pick up.

relax

One thing I am doing today is relaxing. I think it is nearly impossible for people with bipolar to do is just relax. Sometimes things get to hectic that we forget we need relaxation. for your body as well as your mind. But I think sometime different kinds of therapy work besides talk . Like relaxation therapy. My son has been ask to do the flower beds for therapy. Now we just have to get the flowers and mulch donated. He really is good at it and most of it turns out nice. So it any one knows any one who would like to donate flowers and mulch. Like two flats of flowers and 3 bags of mulch, IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED

Im Back

I just spent the last two days staying with my dad. My mom and two sisters went to west Virginia to my grandmothers funeral. I am glad she got to go. I wish I could have been there. I guess from what they told me I was the only one not there. But I am Glad they got to go. I am glad to be back home . I was glad to see how well my dad is doing he is even talking about going out for dinner Friday. He hasn't done that in a year. So keep praying for my. It is still hard .

Just me

I am feeling very bad today. Along with my problems i also lost my grandmother today. She died this morning. I have to go stay with my dad starting Monday. I will be there most of the week. I also have an appointment I have to go to for Social security on Wednesday. So every one pray for me . I am going through alot.

updates on bipolar

One thing that people with Bipolar do is think they are OK when the get there medication right.they think they can stop taking there medication. let me stress that that is not a good thing. It is not like a infection that goes away when you finish the medication. I want to encourage people to understand that you need to keep taking it. Bipolar is a chronic condition it need constant care. It is like if you had a heart condition and had to take heart condition. You keep taking the medication. You need to make sure that you keep taking it and that it is OK. If you are a care giver of a mentally ill person. then you need to help them make sure they take it and take it right.

And keep praying for me I am better but not good yet.

Update

I went back to the doctor and he said i was doing better. My medication should be helping soon. I think i am going crazy. But on a good note today is my 30 the wedding anniversary. it is hard to believe it has been 30 years. But the best thing i ever did was merry cliff. He has been my rock. when all else fails I can depend on him. So here a salute to you Cliff. I love you

ME

Well I am still having some problems but they seem to be getting better. I still don't like to go places with out cliff. But I am better. But the nerves are still not good. I take two kinds of medication, I hope its gets better. some time the panic attacks are crippling. I have filed for social security. But we will see if that get me anything . I sure hope so. i like to be at home .I feel safe there. I think some time that is the key to any kind of mental illness find a place where you feel same. find some time to do for your self.

cats

OK this has nothing to do with bipolar disorder. But it is about mental illness. Animals are a big help with people I have this cat we call Goober. HE weighs about 22 pounds and thinks he is a baby. He is at this moment setting on top of me as I type. But he makes me feel better and I like having him around. He doesn't like me because of what I can do or what I cant do. Just because i am me.I wonder if other people feel this way? Or if it is just me.

from are church

This was in are church bulletin and i thought it was great. so i am posting it let me know what you think

A message From the animal world...........
Dogs have more friend because the wag
their tails and not their tongues.


Proverbs 18.24 A MAN THAT HATH FRIENDS MUST SHEW HIMSELF FRIENDLY

Travel

OK this weekend Adam went to Columbus to visit with my sister. He drove down there and did fine. So I kinda get a break. But I went to the doctor yesterday and I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I am on two different kinds of medication. So I am trying to get on social security and I hope it goes thought the first time. Everyone who prays please pray for me.. I am in bad shape. I hope it goes OK. My nerves are shot. But on the good side Adam is doing good. I wish I was a stronger person them I would be able to work and the financial things would be easier.

medication

OK one thing i realized last night was that there is a good idea to have a extra set of medication. The weather was bad last night and we had to take a chance on Adam getting home because of his medication. I also think that it is a good idea to have a extra set of medication with you or in the car just in case. Adam said that he was going to get better so he wouldn't have to take his medication. But that is not the way it works. once you are on medication for bipolar or any other medication you need to stay on it. You should stop with out talking to your doctor first.

Updates

Well I had a bad day yesterday. I am here to tell you that my nerves are shot. I couldnt do much but cry. But Adam is having car trouble and thank God some one from his church is going to help him fix it. And I could sure use some me time. I know I dont work but my mine is a mess. I sometime think that the families of mentally ill people are under so much pressure that they need as much help as the mentally ill peolpe do. Some day I am going to husband nap cliff and we are going to run away for a whole day. Just the two of us no phones or anyone to interupt.Well I hope you all have a good day and thanks for letting me vent.

Valentines day

Well Cliff and I went had a wonderful out to eat tonight for valentines day. We went to Rockne's and we had a great time. I had Fettuccine Alfredo with shrimp and cliff has a steak dinner. We had a good night. There was a 35 minute wait but it was worth it. there was no mood swinging bipolar to shift through and no one interrupting. I think if you are married and dealing with mental illness it is important for you to get out sometime. I wish cliff and I could get a hotel for a night or two. We also took flowers to my mom and a pie to my dad. they loved it. So all in all it was a fun wonderful night.

Me and Adam

Well the doctor said that he didn't think Adam had borderline personality disorder. I am glad. this Bipolar is hard enough to live with. But he is doing good. I wish sometimes this was something like the flu and would go away but it isn't. So I guess it is something we just have to deal with. But i have to tell you that the mood swings and the burst of energy and the tiredness is hard sometimes. But I am hoping that the NAMI cooperation will help. It is as hard for the family as it is the person.
Also I was in the Walmart today and I heard a man say to his friend that he was acting so Bipolar. I am hear to tell you that is unacceptable. It is like saying he is so gay or some other stupid bad remark. listen up people it is not funny. I turned and gave this real big man a dirty look and then hid from him. HAHAHA . But It wasn't funny and I'm glad my son wasn't with me. So i wish people would understand that this isn't something people can help and the name calling is mean and rude. I would like just one time for people to have to live with this then they would understand. Let me know how you feel about this.

Adam update

Well Adam has got a job at least for a while. He has a job at the good will working in the piece factory. And now the think he might have Borderline personality disorder. I'm not sure what that is but I am going to do some research. he seems to like the job. at least he can pay his bills, If some one has information on this disorder please let me know. But his meds seems to working good. he is better. I am glad he has had a rough road to go down.

Nami

So I went to the NAMI meeting last night and things went very well. I presented my Idea for the mentoring program and every one thought it was a good idea. One lady told me she wanted my phone number and address. I am not sure why but i gave it to her. Every one pray this works out. I was really glad i went . I told them about my son and how most people don't know that there is help out there. There are County mental health center in every county in every state.. I am telling you that there was alot of nice people there. So i will keep you updated

Just venting

Ok Have any of you had a weekend when you felt so stupid? Well It has been one of those weekends here. First we got are car stuck in a ditch two times at my dads and then i lost my check book. then the steering on my husbands car is acting up. I think the world would be better off if I just stayed in the house and never left at all. I then had my son call last night and say he had lost his cell phone and wanted me to have it shut off for him. So it has not been a good weekend for us. I am tired and pissed off at my self.

Bipolar sign and symptoms

I would like to talk about the signs of bipolar disorder. I think sometimes people get to thinking that they are just odd. But if you are so hyper one day you cant even stand you self. Then one day you feel like getting out of bed makes you want to take a nap. If you feel like you want to die or you think about suicide then you need to GO TO A HOSPITAL for help. then when you are safe you need to get some help. It is OK to ask for it. With my son Adam it took us years to get his meds right and we are still working on it. but sometimes I think people think that mental illness will go away or you will out grow it. Let me tell you that is not the case. If you injore it, it gets worse not better. You need to get some help it does not get better with time . You need to get a doctor to help. and one thing Bipolar people have a habit of doing is they think that once they feel better they don't need the medication that it is better. I would like to encourage you to talk to your doctor first. And stay on you meds till you do. I am not a doctor just a mom who has a son who is bipolar.

birthdays

OK so this has nothing to do with bipolar disorder. But yesterday we celebrated are grandsons second birthday. My daughter baked him and cake and he was so cute. he kept raising his hand and saying my birthday. she also made a big pot of Chile and it was delicious we had a great day . we got a big box of blocks and a train . the blocks were from my daughter. we had a great day. My son was there and he seemed to be having one of those days that were good. minor ditch problem but a very kind stranger helped him out. If that man happens to see this thank you it just goes to show you most people are kind. it the occasional ****head that makes you want to smack some one. So i hope every one has a great weekend and a very pleasant work week. Oh and pray i find a job.

bipolar help

Some one tell me what would be the best thing you could do for a person who is bipolar? I want to help but sometimes I am not sure what that is. Or what I can do to help. I guess i feel like someone who is standing outside looking in. Nothing is right . I would like to know what is best? Other mental illness is just as hard for the family . You are not sure what to do or what to say. I would like to here from someone who has dealt with this and knows what to do. I am not sure what is right or wrong sometimes. I guess everyone feels that way at times. Let me here form people.

bipolar and prayer

I want to say that prayer works. You don't have to say it out loud just know that the Lord hears you and answers your prayers. I understand that when you have bipolar it is hard to pray sometimes. But you don't have to feel good or set still to get the lord to listen. I am proof that he listens to every one. Right now . right away. and he hears everything you say. I learned along time ago that people don't always understand but the lord always does. Everyone need prayer . But someone with mental illness sometimes think that he doesn't here or that because people don't understand the Lord doesn't either. But he does and understands. Even when you yourself don't.

Group homes

My son Adam who has Bipolar disorder has as you know moved in to a group home. I think it has been good for him. I think he will he has help with his needs. the workers are helping him with his medication and with his other needs. I do how ever wish that the county would give him his medicaid card. they tell him that is will take 6 months to get it .My question is why? I think someone with Adams problems need one as much as children do. where would he get a job with medical benefits.And we couldn't carry Him on ares the law says not past 21. so even if he lived with us it would not do any good. I hope he can get a some help with this he has medical bills that he can pay. If you have some experiences with group home I would like to here about it?

Just about me

I am tired and cranky today. I have a dad in the hospital and a mom who is on the verge of a nervous Breakdown. I have a son who is doing good now and is hoping to have a job in the next couple of weeks. But I sometimes wonder what would happen if i couldn't do it. I think mental illness is harder to deal with than the physical ones. Physical ones you can fix sometimes but the mental ones are hard. I think that the general public doesn't understand that. they think that you should just get over it and it is not that simple. But i have to tell you I am tired and i think worn out mentally from it all. It will get better i just have to depend on the Lord and wait on him.

Parents and timeI

I sometimes feel like we are like caged animals we just run in circles and never get any where. I get tired of that. And for people with mental illness it is worse than with us. We have sent the last two days stuck in the house because of the snow. And Adam is stuck in Wooster. But it has been OK. we have survived it. I Sometimes think cliff and i don't have any time together. we spend so much time taking care of every one else. We for get about each other. But my news year resolution is I am not going to fight with cliff or any one else. One it does no good and two it just makes me say things i get in to trouble for. So I hope that the new year brings thing in my life closer and sweeter and easy. because 2008 was a bad year for us.

boredom and the weather

One thing I have learned is that people with mental illness hate to be board. Adam is going Monday to do some testing with the good will. I am hoping they will place him there. At least it would be a job till he can get something better. Also we are having a snow storm here we are to get a foot of snow by tomorrow evening. So we are all stuck at home. that might not be a bad thing at least we would be resting. I am doing better I now feel good there is a flu going around that is not any fun. s

PSR or Pyscho Social Rehab

I would like to talk about a program my son is getting involved with called PSR . They can be involved in this as much as 5 days a week. they pick him up and Bring him home. He will learn how to Deal with his mental illness and How to work with his medication and how to deal socially with it. they have Group[p therapy and in the afternoon the do some kind of activity . They can also chose to stay at the center an play games . But they are making friends and learning skills to help with there illness. They also help them with employment skills. Adam starts tomorrow and I am very glad he is. I cant begin to tell you how much the counseling center in are community has helped him. They have helped with a lot of things and continue to surprise me at what they will do. I would encourage you to search you county for the center in you area if you need help. They are wonderfully helpful.

bipolar and nami

I was suppose to present to the Nami board tonight but the weather has prevented that. I would like to here from other parents or care givers who have bipolar people . I would like to know if you think a mentoring program would be helpful to you? If you would like that or if not? I will do that is February And I hope that it will help. My goal is to help people and to maybe help my self at the same time. I sometimes get so discouraged that i feel helpless. I think maybe this will be a way of helping people and giving back some.

Feeling better

I am feeling better tonight. Now I must prepare for a presentation to the nami cooperation tomorrow. I am going to try to convince them to set up a mentoring program for bipolar people. I hope that i am successful it would be a be help to my son. and to me. Every ONE PRAY FOR ME

care for the care takers

If there is one thing you can say about people with Bipolar disorder is they are unpredictable. they are never the same two day in a row. there moods swing up and down alot. I have found with Adam that the one thing he depends on is that I am always the same. they need some one who is stable and steady. There are days when I want to run away and hide. But then there are some days when I just take time for my self. Like today. I like to call them Kathy time. I need to regroup. keep my self together. where i am not helping any one or taking someone some where. I don't do any thing for any one . those are important days and if you are a caretaker of someone You need to do that's. if you don't you can get so tired you make bad and wrong discions. Some times you just HAVE TO STOP. To day is one of those days for me.

newness of it

One thing you can count on with mental illness is it is never the same for every one. You can figure that you or the one you love will have something that is not typical. Or when you think that have the medications right there will be a side effect to them. But i would encourage you to tell the doctor about it they may be able to change it or add to the meds to help. It some times takes years to get it right. But one thing with Bipolar people is they have a tendency to think that when the medication is right and they feel good that don't need the meds any more. this is typical. It is also not good. I tell people it is like dealing with high blood pressure you keep taking your meds. that is the way you should be with bipolar. It is something you can just control.
I hope I can help people with this. My NEVER take my word over your own Doctor. I am just a mom dealing with Bipolar

sign and symptoms

Today I would like to talk about some of the signs of Bipolar disorder. These are only the symptoms Adam had. So you should talk to a Doctor for treatment and not take my word for it. They were Mood swings, Like being very happy over something and then very depressed over the same thing. Also bouts of energy where he would run from thing to thing all day and then very tired for days. He also didn't make friends very well he had a tendency to get very angry over silly things. some time he would get him self so upset he would have what they called false seizure . That is when we first started with the bipolar disorder. He then was in the Heartland Behavioral health center in Mansfield. they are the ones that diagnosed him Of course this took years to get form one seizure to the hospital. My goal is to help people to get help and not take years to get there. I am sure there are symptoms Adam didnt have so you can go to the www.nami.org to get a full list of them and of other mental illnesses and there symptoms

jobs for the mentally ill

One thing that really upsets me is the fact that there are very few jobs for the mentally ill. My son Adam lives in Wooster and is having a terrible time finding a job. Never mind that jobs are hard to find for the so called normal person, But add mental illness in to the picture and they most likely either get fired or don't get hired at all.they tell him they will call him and never do. One place told him they understood that there manager was bipolar and would call him and never did. Some one tell me how is he suppose to pay his bills? He has signed up for social security but that takes years sometimes to get. My husband and I try to help but we cant do it all and ares too. If there is a employer out there give extra consideration to them. They need help and compassion not Judgments. Not all jobs are for them but there must be something they can do? If you are in charge of hiring at least give them the same chance you give everyone else. Dont dismiss them because of there mental illness

just information

First let me say that i am not a Doctor or a medical professional. So what I say here is just coming form a mom who has been dealing with Bipolar for a long time. One thing I have learned is that you have to be able to ask for help. that may start with the Free mental health center in your county.Adam has found a support group for people with bipolar in the town he lives in. That is through the NAMI cooperation http://www.nami.org . that link will take you to there web sight.you should be able to find the one in your town. Also It is important that when you are caring for a bipolar person or any one with a mental illness that when they say i feel like a want to kill my self. that you take them serious and call for help. Don't think they are kidding or not serious. that's not my call or your to make . It should be left up to the doctors.

Mental Illness

I want to help people understand that using derogatory terms for mental illness like you are so bipolar is NOT OK. It is the same as saying you are so Gay. Or referring to someones race it just not except able. People with any kind of mental illness can not help what they do or don't do. There is help for people and the first step is understanding and patience. My son gets his help through the Mental health clinic in are county and it is free along with his medication,. I also want people to understand when you are the care taker of some one who has a mental illness can be as tiring as someone who is terminal. You need to take time for you self and your relationship.

bipolar parent

My Name is Kathy and I am the parent of a bipolar son. This disorder is a misunderstood disorder and my goal with this blog is to help people. I have been dealing with bipolar disorder for about 10 years. At first it was not diagnosed because he was a 14 year old . This disorder can be misdiagnosed and called spoiled and lazy. But I'm here to tell you that it is a real problem. And the people dealing with it can have a s hard a time as the people with it. But it is a chemical imbalance in the brain and often getting the right medication can take years to get right. And it is very important that you see a Psychiatrist. And help them remember to tell the doctor about all the things going on. Like side effects to meds and mood swings and suicide thoughts. there are things that can be done. and this my require hospitalization . That is OK to do it . this can help it has for my son Adam.