Not the usual

[kaiella]

My son is suffering from severe depression which will not go away. He's under a doctor and psychiatrist...on different medications. Diagnosed with bi-polar 2, personality disorder, anxiety etc. Had been on 1 medication for 16 years,didn't appear to be as effective as at first so was taken off it. None of the usual methods are working. Tablets make him overweight which he hates and that doesn't help. Very complicated person who is fully aware of all of this. Doesn't live in my state! Am so concerned for him. Not suicidal just very unhappy. Has a lovely family! He's not the usual type of person so needs a different approach.....what, I don't know.

[Just Sara]

Hi and welcome kaiella to our caring BeyondBlue community;

Supporting a loved one thru mental illness must feel so desperate and helpless to begin with, let alone doing it from interstate; I feel for you and your son.

From what you've said, your son is in quite a diagnosis quagmire and does need professional help. I'm sure he's getting the support he deserves from psychiatrists and personnel involved in his maintenance and recovery.

Finding the right combination of medication is in most cases a trial and error exercise especially with a personality disorder. As his parent, this must be frustrating. Do you have support for you? A psychologist for instance?

Each state has a crisis mental health hotline which can be accessed 24/7. It might be helpful to talk with them about the best way to support your son as well as yourself.

We are caring and empathetic people who you can turn to for friendship and experienced guidance; we aren't professionals, but endeavour to be non judgemental and supportive in the best way we can.

There are links below to peruse for info. Lifeline and BB offer quality counselling on their crisis hotlines for times when talking things out is beneficial. I'm a volunteer peer supporter and along with others we endeavour to support you to cope ok? Lean on us...we really care.

Try looking around the different sections, especially 'Supporting friends and family experiencing mental health issues'. It may assist in finding people who are in similar circumstances to converse with.

I'm here most days and will keep an eye out for any responses from you.

Kind and warm thoughts...

Sara (Hugs)

[kaiella]

Thanks Sara, You are very kind. K

[Kazzl]

Hi kaiella, welcome to you. Firstly - you are a great mum to reach out for your son, he's fortunate you understand and care so deeply.

I'm just wondering if there's any chance you could get your son to join us here? Or if he has sought any type of support group? The reason I ask is that often dealing with a mental illness, especially one we know is for life, becomes a little easier when we share it with others who have similar experiences.

I have bipolar disorder, and meeting others, on here and in 'real life' through a bipolar support group has been an enormous help to me in coming to terms with it. Just knowing that what I experience is 'normal' for people with bipolar has been gold for me.

Another option would be to find out what's available in local community health centres or community-based agencies that can provide trained mental health support workers. These people help with the tasks of daily life, provide company and help get people back into the community etc. Some agencies have peer support workers who have experienced mental illness themselves.

What I'm suggesting is in addition to clinical support from his doctor and psych. It's essential that he maintain good clinical treatment. But non-clinical support, in my experience, can make a huge difference.

(And yes, the medication does make you overweight and I hate that too!)

Best wishes to you and your son

Kaz