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Mental health

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Flip

Original poster

BIPOLAR/COCAINE USE

4 replies

stickyj · 17/12/2012 12:51

My son has seen a physcologist three times and now refused to go back. I have learnt this his Dad who has also now broken off contact with him. He has been advised to see a physchiatrist as they think he may be bipolar.

I have looked up the symptons. If he has not told the councillor that he is on coke ( was and still is as far as i know) would they confuse the symptoms. They seem to be the same, mood swings etc etc.

Any help needed please, the situation is making me really ill. He's 22 btw.

OP posts:

Original poster

stickyj · 17/12/2012 13:02

Bumping as I really need some advice

OP posts:

Crawling · 17/12/2012 13:13

yes it could confuse things and it could be the coke making him appear bipolar but it could also be that he's self mediating and is using coke to help with the symptoms of bipolar.

NanaNina · 17/12/2012 15:07

Yes what Crawling says - many people with mental health issues "self medicate" by the mis use of alcohol or drugs. He needs to see a GP first or has he done this and they've referred him to a psychologist? It's tricky as he is an adult and you can't make him do anything really. The thing is though some times people who are mentally ill don't realise it because they are out of touch with reality, and so someone has to speak for them.

Does your son live with you? How long has he had mental health problems?So sorry you are so worried and that's understandable - it's hard when our kids are adults and we can't help them unless they ask for it.

NotWankinginaWinterWonderland · 17/12/2012 15:14

My brother is bipolar and made himself very unwell on Coke, he ended up in a Mental Unit when he stopped taking it every weekend after 1 or 2 years, he has never been the same, he is now bordering on a paranoid schizophrenic. (I believe he still takes now and then)

The episodes he had were terrifying I was looking after him and even to this day he will not tell me what medication he was given to calm his thinking down, he was off the scale, I believed him when he told me many random things!

He doesn't leave the house much, keeps the same circle of friends, you need an invite before going to is house or phone him one hour before you plan to go.

I would seek advice asap.

Flip