He came home and told me he had sat for half an hour with a gun in his mouth, and that he was a danger to himself and needed help.

This is his third admission in the last 15 or so years (but I didn't hear about the second one until tonight). To say I am upset, unhappy, worried, anxious, frustrated and, yes, angry, would be mild.

I am eternally grateful that he came home, that he told me, and that he said he needs help.

He has been being treated for depression for several years, mostly with medication but recently also with weekly counseling.

He was admitted to our local hospital, which is a good one, and on the whole I was pleased with the way the crisis counselor and social worker acted and interacted with him and with me.

I have called his brothers and his father, and now I'm here. Of course, I want your prayers and hugs. Mostly, I want a place to say how frightened and anxious and worried - and angry - I am and know that people will understand.

By Andi on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 10:39 pm:

Oh my, I am so sorry for what you are having to go through. Thankfully he is in good hands and you know he will be safe. I wish there was something more I could say...

Your family will also be in my prayers tonight.

By Cat on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 10:41 pm:

Oh, Ginny. I'm so glad he came home rather than doing something else. It's good that he knew he could tell you. You're a great mom. I'm sending many thoughts and prayers your way. {{{{{{{{Ginny}}}}}}}

By Mommmie on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 10:44 pm:

Hugs and prayers to you and your son. I hope he gets the help and support he needs in the hospital. I am sure you are worried. Good for him for admitting to you how he is feeling and then going to the hospital. That sounds hopeful!

By Kernkate on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 10:45 pm:

{{{Ginny}}} So glad he knew that he needed the help and did the right thing...you are in my thoughts and prayers.

By Bobbie on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 10:50 pm:

Ginny, I for one know exactly how you are feeling right now. Trust me as painful as it is he is in the best place right now. I have walked through this too many times. Big hugs Ginny and many many prayers for all of you.

By Karen~moderator on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 10:58 pm:

{{{{{{Ginny}}}}}} Thank God he came to you! It's a good thing that he recognizes he needs help. I know this can't be easy for you. You and your son have my prayers. Keep us posted, and vent away when you need to.

By Bobbie on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 11:04 pm:

Yes Ginny vent away. I am sure you will need to over the next couple of days or so. The hospitals can be very frustrating and upsetting. They can leave you feeling left out of the loop and uninformed. We are here to listen, give cyber hugs and give our opinions of course.

By Kaye on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 11:57 pm:

Hugs and prayers being sent. What a great job you have done as a mom that even at his darkest hour he still knows he can turn to you! Any idea how long he will be in and what comes next?

By Mommyathome on Saturday, December 20, 2003 - 11:57 pm:

(((((Ginny)))))
Be very thankful that he was able to realize that he needed help before it was too late. Many thoughts and prayers for you and you DS. He is very lucky to have you there with him. I know he appreciates it.

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 12:35 am:

Yes, I am thanking God every five minutes that he knew he needed help and asked for it. The hospital is a pretty good one, from what I know, and I am really relieved that they didn't transfer him to some mental hospital heaven knows where. He stated to the social worker that I am to be kept informed of what is happening and she wrote it on the chart, so unless he changes that, I will be in the loop.

The first time he was admitted, 15 or so years ago, it was to a hospital about 35 miles from me and I didn't drive at that time, so that was very frustrating, and they did not try to keep me in the loop. I know the mental health system is frustrating, but that experience drove me to counseling because I was so frustrated and helpless. I don't do helpless very well.

He said he doesn't want me to visit tomorrow, even to bring him clothes, but he will call if he wants anything, and I will check in by phone a couple of times a day.

O lord, ladies. I am more than a bit beside myself, and don't know if I will sleep tonight.

I so appreciate your caring, concern, and listening.

By Anonymous on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 01:16 am:

(((Ginny))). I know all too well the range of emotions you are feeling right now. Dec. 23rd will be the 6 year anniversary that I made a phone call to have a close family member involuntarily hospitalized because of a suicide threat. It was an emotionally wrenching time and I ran the gamut from sad, to worried to angry as well. I cried myself out from the experience.

It's so great that your son realized that he needed help and knew how to get. I'm praying for good progress with his treatment and peace of mind for you both. Please keep us updated. (Is this the son who was living with you?)

P.S. I posted anon to protect my family member. You "know" me though. I live in Louisiana and frequently *debate* with you

By Gammiejoan on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 02:33 am:

Oh, Ginny, I'm glad that I saw this tonight so that I can pray about it. It is very unusual for me to be up at this time of the night, but I was unable to sleep and decided to check the computer to see if there had been any more updates on Mike. I know you must have quite a few different emotions going on right now. Just remember that we all want to be here for you to help in any way we can. You have helped so many of us. Hugs to you, Ginny!

By Marg on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 07:13 am:

((((Ginny)))) You and your son are in my prayers. The first step he made was a tough one calling you and going to the hospital. I know it is hard to understand what they are going through. He wants help because he has openly asked for help. That is the first step. I am so thankful he took this step.

By Feonad on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 07:27 am:

What a relief that he came to you for help! I am sure he will be fine after a stay in the hospital.

By Colette on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 07:30 am:

Thank God he came to you Ginny. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

By Dana on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 07:49 am:

My hugs, thoughts and prayers for you and your son, Ginny.

It is sad to hear the news, but I am greatful that he realized what he was doing and decided to get help instead. And greatful that you are aware of this.

Prayers the work with the hospital staff will make a difference.

Prayers for you to have the strength to get thru this.

By Renee on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 07:51 am:

Thank the Lord for protecting him from any harm. You and your son are in my thoughts and prayers.

By Trina~moderator on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 08:13 am:

{{{Ginny}}} Many hugs and prayers for you and your son. This has been said several times above, but THANK GOD he asked for help!

By Clair~moderator on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 09:20 am:

Hugs and prayers Ginny.

By Sunny on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 09:41 am:

(((Ginny)))

I, too, have experience with this and know how many emotions you're feeling. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

By Mrsclark on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 10:19 am:

Ginny, it is said it happened, but be so happy he was able to come to you - read the papers and see how many have no one they feel they can go to. (((((Ginny and son)))))) My prayers are with you both.

By Conni on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 01:47 pm:

Oh Ginny, I dont even know what to say. My heart aches for you and your ds.

Please keep us posted. You will be in my thoughts and prayers Ginny.


Love,

Conni

By Bea on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 02:30 pm:

Thoughts and prayers going out for both of you.

By Cat on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 05:56 pm:

How ya doing today, Ginny? I'm praying for ya. {{{{{Ginny}}}}}

This is Scott, right? He's in my prayers as well.

By Marcia on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 06:12 pm:

Ginny, you and your son have and will continue to be in my prayers.

By Bubbels~admin on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 06:29 pm:

Oh, Ginny. I'm so sorry to hear this. I can only imagine the gamut of emotions you've been through over this. I'm so glad after 30 minutes of thinking about it, his next thought was to call his mom. I hope the therapy he receives in the hospital will help him to realize once and for all that his life IS worth living. I pray that he finds a renewed outlook towards life and that his life is better after this event than it ever was before. You gave him life, and now you're helping to give him a second chance at it. You're such a wonderful mother, and I'm glad your DS has you in his life. I've been doing alot of praying lately myself, and your son will definitely be included in them.

By Laurazee on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 07:03 pm:

{{{Ginny & son}}}. I feel for you both. Motherhood never ends, does it? Thank God you were there for him. We're here for you, too.

By Joy~bundles on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 07:07 pm:

{{{Ginny}}} - you and your son are in my prayers.

By Shellyg on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 07:32 pm:

Ginny, I am so sorry to hear this.

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 08:26 pm:

I visited him tonight. He had called and asked me to bring him some clothes. He is, of course, heavily drugged, and on suicide watch. For a psychiatric unit (with all that means), it seems a pretty decent place, and the staff seem decent.

He wants his family to visit him, which I had not expected and which I am glad to hear. I spent about an hour with him but he is so doped up he half drowses off. He wants to write, but is not yet allowed to have a pen or pencil, and is not allowed to shave for a few days at least.

We'll just take it day by day.

I'm so glad to have my friends here.

By Bobbie on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 08:40 pm:

Ginny, That all sounds pretty typical to me. I am sitting here having flash backs. It will all be okay. It is so hard. Just can't understand and probably never will understand all the why's? I am glad he turned to you though and it sounds like for the most part he has himself together. I say that because he had enough control to know he needed help and the fact he wants his family around is a very good sign. Most people that go through what he has been through get angry (often out of fear) and try to pull away from people they love(once again often out of fear). Big hugs Ginny!!!

By Vicki on Sunday, December 21, 2003 - 09:07 pm:

I am sorry to hear your going through this Ginny. I have zero experience with any of this, but it sounds like he is in good hands. I also agree that it was wonderful that he was able to stop and then come to you. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.

By Hol on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 08:40 am:

Ginny-(((HUGS))) to you, AND your son. Please know that you are BOTH in my prayers., What a SCARY thing, and yet, he trusted you enough to get him the help he needed. That's a good sign that he WANTS to live.
This is a tough time of year for a lot of people. A lot of conflicting emotions. God bless you both. Keep us posted, and TRY to get some rest.

By Clair~moderator on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 08:54 am:

((((Ginny))))

By Eve on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 12:31 pm:

(((Ginny))) I hope things are looking up. Many prayers for your son right now. And you too. I know this must be tough. Just know I'm thinking of you right now. I wish I was there to help and to make you a cup of tea. ((hug))

By Brandy on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 01:21 pm:

Ginny i hope things continue to get better praying for his recovery soon...

By Janet on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 10:30 pm:

{{{Ginny}}}

By Kay on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 10:43 pm:

I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and sending up prayers.

By Jayne2 on Monday, December 22, 2003 - 10:48 pm:

Ginny I am thinking of you and your son. I wanted to let you know that I have first hand knowledge of this (I suffered from depression/panic disorder,my sister is bipolar)and can be very supportive. If you ever want to talk, please let me know. Hugs, Janie (bulleta@comcast.net)

By Sue3 on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 10:44 am:

((((GINNY))))
You and your son are in my prayers.

By Truestori on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 03:46 pm:

Ginny,

I am sorry to hear that your son is having a tough time. I hope everythings works out and he can heal. You are a great person, and your son is really lucky to have someone in his life like you! Many e~hugs

By Colette on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 03:48 pm:

{{{Ginny}}} thinking of you and your family.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 05:38 pm:

My son called me, asked me to visit, and said he wants me to know that no matter what, he loves me. I will check in later and report, either way.

By Cat on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 06:02 pm:

Ginny, that's wonderful! I hope you have a great visit. Hugs!

By Mrsclark on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 06:06 pm:

Oh, Ginny, that is a good phone call. And you know he not only loves you, but trust you, or he would not have come to you when he did. Prayer and hugs to you and your son, and your whole family for this holiday season. He is lucky and has the best gift -- his mother.

By Dana on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 07:00 pm:

Good to hear, Ginny. You've been in my thoughts each day.

By Annie2 on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 07:08 pm:

Positive news Ginny. Thanks for sharing the update.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your son. He seems to be on the right track for success.
He has YOU in his corner. Right there is a positive sign!

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 08:12 pm:

A good visit. He seems - seems - just like himself, chatting, and able to tell jokes. He hugged me, and later held my hand. I stayed for about an hour. We talked about a number of things, including some practical, housekeeping kinds of things. He is on good terms with his job and if he is out more than five days, which he will be, they will send him the family leave act stuff, so that's good. A close friend since highschool is coming to town tomorrow and will be here for two weeks and he wants to see him. He wants to see his brothers.

But, who knows. I took him a letter from the girl who was the preciptating factor in this breakdown, and he didn't read it while I was there. I alerted the nurse that I had given him this letter and explained enough so they will watch for any reactions - and had to tell them that he is really good at faking, especially at faking normalcy. He seemed, for the 10 or so days before this event, to be on a really even keel, in a good mood, sort of bouncy but not manic, and I thought he was in good shape. Just goes to show.

But, I feel so very much better tonight, you can be sure.

By Gammiejoan on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 08:24 pm:

This is good news, Ginny. I am glad that your visit with him tonight went well, and I certainly hope that this is the start of things really beginning to look up for your son.

By Mommyathome on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 08:33 pm:

This is sounding more positive everytime I check in. I'm glad that you are there for your son at this time. Stay strong.

By Yjja123 on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 08:39 pm:

I am praying for you and your son!

By Bobbie on Tuesday, December 23, 2003 - 09:18 pm:

Glad to hear he asked to see you.

By Feona on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 06:30 am:

Glad things are looking up.

By Mrsclark on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 07:43 am:

Heartbreak can hurt more than some people even realize. It can be devastating, no matter how strong a person is or may think they are. You never know what certain things will cause, that's why it is never nice to be mean or make fun of someone either. You have no idea what their day or life is. Prayers for your son and his strength, and for you. Didn't mean to "preach"...

By Marg on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 07:55 am:

Still praying Ginny, I'm glad things are lookingup

By Debbie on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 08:37 am:

Oh Ginny, I am so glad your son came to you for help. What a wonderful relationship you must have with him. That must make you feel so proud, even during this tragic time. I am so happy to see you had a good visit with him. I hope that things continue to improve for him. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers.

By Ginny~moderator on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 06:16 pm:

Up and down, up and down. Visited today at Noon, and he was a mess again and asked me to leave. I did have a chance to speak with one of the nurses on his team and although she said my son specifically said they are not to share any information about his condition or treatment, it was a good talk. She asked me what I knew of the preceding events and other stuff, which I told her, and I told her how I am talking to him, dealing with him, and about his brothers being supportive and trying to communicate. She thinks in a few days he will be in much better shape, but it is, of course, one day at a time.

I left a message with her for him that I will come when he calls and says I can come, and will not come otherwise.

Oh, I just want to hold him and comfort him. I so wish I could just "fix" this, and it is so - I don't know what - but that I can't fix it is just so awful.

By Gammiejoan on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 06:54 pm:

Oh, Ginny, that wanting to "fix" it is definitely a mother thing. Sometimes all we can do, though, is to make sure they know that we are there for them. You have certainly made him aware of that, not just by what you are saying now but by the way you have been there for him in the past. Try not to get too discouraged. It will take time, and there will be ups and downs. Hopefully it won't be too long before this depression lifts and you have your son back again. I am praying for the both of you. Try to rest when you can so that you don't get sick. You need all of your strength to deal with this.

By Clair~moderator on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 07:46 pm:

Ginny I am so sorry Hopefully he will make progress quickly.

(((((HUGS)))))

By Missymelissy on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 07:54 pm:

((((Big Hugs)))) Chin up Ginny.

By Cat on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 08:46 pm:

{{{{{Ginny}}}}} We're here for ya. Vent away any time. You will make it through this. You're a GREAT mom and you've raised three wonderful men. Continued prayers...

By Bobbie on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 09:50 pm:

((((((HUGS GINNY!!!)))))))

By Mrsclark on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 - 10:39 pm:

I believe if I'm not in the wrong day you gave him a letter from an ex? Maybe that was why he was not better this last time? Poor guy, that can really hurt. Hopefully he can get comfort and be encouraged. You are doing the best thing not to "push" yourself, but always being there and I'm sure he knows that. Hugs and prayers for you and yours.

By Feona on Thursday, December 25, 2003 - 06:52 am:

He had to deal with the letter sometime. So at least they were watching him when he dealt with the letter. Now maybe he can have closure.

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, December 25, 2003 - 07:08 am:

I do understand that the rollercoaster is to be expected, and yes, I suspect that letter had something to do with it. There is another letter - it came yesterday. I talked to the nurse who is working with him and she said if he asks, I should not withhold it, but let them know.

So, I will just wait until he calls - I am sure he will. My poor son - I feel so sorry for him.

By Feona on Thursday, December 25, 2003 - 10:52 am:

Geez, not another letter. Can't she leave him alone? She is getting on my nerves.

By Sue3 on Thursday, December 25, 2003 - 07:25 pm:

Hello Ginny,
I was just thinking of you and your son.
Hope all is well,you are in my prayers.

By Colette on Thursday, December 25, 2003 - 08:59 pm:

{{{Ginny}}}

By Ginny~moderator on Thursday, December 25, 2003 - 10:10 pm:

Oh Feona - she's getting on YOUR nerves - boy is she getting on mine.

He called today, much better, says can I visit tomorrow. I said if you call in the morning and tell me its OK to come I will, but you are on a rollercoaster and I expect it may continue - and it probably hurts you to tell me to leave and then to have to remember that you told me to leave ... so let's try to play it safe, one day at a time. He thinks that's a good idea.

Right now he has plans that several of his friends will visit tomorrow evening, two at a time(the limit) - I don't know if that's such a great idea, but it's not my decision.

Had a good Christmas afternoon and evening and dinner with my son and dear dil and other son, and my dil's mom. But oh my, I'm tired. I am going to bed fairly quickly.

By Bobbie on Thursday, December 25, 2003 - 10:21 pm:

Sounds like the girl might be co dependent. Likes to keep him on a roller coaster.

Hope if you get to go to a visit that you have a nice one.

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 10:48 am:

He called this a.m., wants me to visit. He is allowed to have his electric razor and unsupervised shave, and is allowed to have his shoelaces (no small thing in a psychiatric ward). So, I will be at the door to the unit at 11:30 a.m.

I am taking my Christmas gift to him with me - I think he can handle it. I will put it in the context that I am so pleased with this gift ( a really nice jacket with all kinds of "features") that I can't wait for him to see it. I will probably have to bring it back home with me, but that's OK.

By Paulas on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 12:26 pm:

How did your visit go. This must be so hard. Our prayers are with you and your family. Is your son still planning on the friends coming over today?

Hope you had a nice visit

By Jodie on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 12:35 pm:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you . May God give you the strength. You did the right thing and so did he, by asking for help. I have an older brother who's been diagnosed with Schizophrenia since 1988 and my parents take care of him . He lives with them and has exhibited suicidal threats and ideations many times but my parents always succeed in calming him down. But they won't listen to me and get him treatment on an inpatient basis. outpatient is just not effective. I keep trying and maybe one day I'll have a breakthrough.May you have the strength that you need and you definitely did the right thing. He has his whole life ahead of him. God Bless and a big HUG.

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 06:35 pm:

Good visit. He really liked the jacket which I got for him for Christmas, and got a kick out of all the features (lots and lots of pockets, and it is a parka with a whole separate jacket inside it which can be zipped out for a medium weight jacket). He had asked that I bring any of the funnies/crossword puzzle sections of the papers that had not gone out for recycling, and since I have been saving them for him, I was able to take a week's worth.

He says he may be discharged on Monday, and that appropriate arrangments for outpatient therapy will be made. He agreed to check with his (and my) primary care physician about any recommendations for therapists, as the primary has been associated with this hospital for a long time and will have a good idea of who may be better (or worse) than others. And, he is going to ask the primary to fax a note to his employer saying he was hospitalized and is being discharged, without going into any details - which I think the primary will do. He asked me to visit tomorrow or Sunday, and I said, look, if you call in the morning I will happily visit, but I need you to let me know first if this is a good day or not so good day - because I think it is upsetting for you to ask me to leave and I'd rather avoid that kind of upset for both of us. He agreed that was a good idea.

He will have read the letter from "her" after I left, so I have no idea how he will react. He keeps saying she is "blameless" in all this. I, of course, don't agree - at the least, she is thoughtless and selfish, since she has known for a long time that he has serious problems with depression. It doesn't help that she is somewhere around 22-24 and he is 36. I can excuse her for being young, but not for being selfish. Scott, quite correctly, says of course you are on my side, Mom. I said there is no "side" to be on - you are my son and that is the only side. To which he laughed - he does understand. And I understand why he is trying to not blame her, and I don't want to put him in the position of feeling he has to defend her - but oh, I wish she would stop writing letters.

The good news is that his job is safe, which is very good news, not in the least because that pays for his health insurance, which has fairly decent benefits. He likes his job, and other than his boss being an insensitive jerk, it is a good job for him. And now there is a manager-person midway between him and the boss, which helps. He works with animals all day, and doesn't have to deal with people a lot, which is by and large good - since Scott gets along much better with animals than with people, and the animals are much less likely to "say the wrong thing".

Thank you all, so very much. Having your support and care has really helped tremendously.

I got to my son/dil's house yesterday, walked in the door, and started crying. This is the first time I have cryed in all this. The last 10 miles driving there, all I could think is that when I get there it will be safe to cry. Which it was. I have such great sons - all three of them - and a truly wonderful dil. And her mother is a wonderful person too. I am so blessed.

By Bobbie on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 08:50 pm:

Yes you are blessed. Good news, many prayers and big hugs Ginny.

By Karen~moderator on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 09:11 pm:

{{{{{{{{{{Ginny}}}}}}}}}}}

By Gammiejoan on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 09:27 pm:

I am glad you and Scott had a good visit today, Ginny. I am still praying.

By Dana on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 09:32 pm:

Hugs, Ginny. I've not posted much in regards to your concerns, but you have been on my mind. Prayers continue you for all of you.

By Yjja123 on Friday, December 26, 2003 - 10:24 pm:

Ginny,
With all that you are dealing with I am overwhelmed with your kindness to respond to my venting about inlaws.
Thank you for your kindness and generous spirit. You and your son are in my prayers!
Yvonne

By Pamt on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 12:24 am:

Glad you had a good visit and also glad you got to have a good cry

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 12:55 am:

He was discharged tonight. He had talked when we visited about being discharged on Monday - I guess they decided there was no point in keeping him over the weekend, when nothing much happens. He has his regular anti-depression medication plus lithium. I think the lithium is to control anger and to put a sort of buffer between his mind and his emotions. He seems OK, but I will, of course, be watching - and trying not to get caught watching.

He is to call Monday to make an appointment for the outpatient therapy, and he seems comfortable with the doctor. I will keep firmly on top of that, you may be sure.

And, he is going back to work on Monday.

It seems so strange, some ways - it was only last Saturday that I was driving him to the hospital - he was shaking and crying and so anguished. And this week, as you know, has been a real rollercoaster. So much has happened in 6 short days.

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 01:04 am:

duplicate of post above - I am having hard drive problems!

By Marcia on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 01:12 am:

Ginny, I hope the weekend goes well for both you and Scott.
Sending lots of hugs,

By Hol on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 04:26 am:

Ginny- I hope that the worst is over for this time. With his meds and outpatient therapy, and of course, your love and support, he will probably be okay. Going back to work will probably be good for him, too.
The ex-girlfriend sounds like a sadist. Someone should tell her to move on.
I'm sure that the holidays had a lot to do with this episode. It can be a tough time for a lot of reasons.
Continued (((HUGS))) to you.

By Marg on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 07:25 am:

Ginny,

I don't know how to put this without sounding nasty.

My sister has bipolar/manic depression. For years my parents were "overprotective" because of her state of mind. However, let me note they were the only ones who tried to get her help. Eventually she blamed them for everything and she wouldn't speak to them for years, until my mom was dying.

I don't know the whole situation, but instead of people "sheltering and protecting (if this is the case)" your son, and needs therapy on how to deal with these daily situations, not avoid them or know how to handle them.

Once again, I do not know the situation, and I don't want to sound nasty. Dh works with troubled youth and too many times parents want to shield their children which causes problems in later years.

jmho

By Marg on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 07:27 am:

BTW, I pray for your family and the doctors in using the correct knowledge and medication through this process (once again it is often hard to find good doctors and the correct medications)...

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 03:27 pm:

Marq, I do not take your information negatively. I agree, he should not be "protected" from getting the proper psychiatric help. I will do everything in my power to see to it that he immediately makes an appointment and keeps all appointments. What I want to protect him from is killing himself when he is in a depressive self-loathing rage - other than that, he needs appropriate medical help, not mommying - I agree.

By Sue3 on Saturday, December 27, 2003 - 03:51 pm:

Great news Ginny!Hope the worst is over.
You are a GREAT mom!

By Colette on Friday, January 2, 2004 - 08:09 pm:

Ginny, hope all is going well for you and your son.

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, January 3, 2004 - 12:13 am:

Thanks, Colette - fairly well. Turns out the psychiatrist he was supposed to see doesn't accept his insurance, and his insurance is dragging their feet on getting him a list of participating shrinks - and I don't think he is being as on top of that as he needs to be. So I am bugging him about this.

But, he is back at work, and work seems to be going well.

I guess - no, I know I am having a lot of anxiety and watching him carefully - which is probably not a good thing but I need to watch him carefully.

By Bobbie on Saturday, January 3, 2004 - 12:44 am:

I so know the feeling. Big hugs to you Ginny...

By Kaye on Saturday, January 3, 2004 - 12:49 am:

Ginny I have nothing really to add, but I have really been thinking of you and praying for you over the holidays. I can't even begin to imagine the stress you must be having!

By Bea on Saturday, January 3, 2004 - 01:08 am:

You will both continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, Ginny.

By Karen~moderator on Saturday, January 3, 2004 - 09:10 am:

{{{{{{{{{GINNY}}}}}}}}}}}

By Gammiejoan on Saturday, January 3, 2004 - 10:08 am:

Hugs and prayers from here, Ginny!

By Kim on Saturday, January 3, 2004 - 06:20 pm:

Sorry I wasn't here for this Ginny, but many prayers to you and your son. You helped me at a bad time as did many others here and if you ever need to chat just give me a holler! Ginny, I hope you are doing well yourself.

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, January 3, 2004 - 09:18 pm:

Kim, my heaven, is this who I think it is? If you are the Kim I think you are (and you will know), please email me - the address hasn't changed and is still in my profile.