Seeking Support Groups
May 26, 2005 8:09 AM Subscribe
Can anyone here recommend a good on-line support community for a friend whose s/o is undergoing treatment for an undiagnosed mental illness?
He was first treated for simple depression, then with a wide assortment of meds for bipolar disorder. The meds for bipolar made his behavior worse, and his docs continue to try different combinations of things, but frankly it seems more like they're gussing than actually "treating" at this point. He's on lithium and one or two other things, and his behavior is stable, but unlike the behavior of the person she fell in love with.
His live-in partner really needs to be in contact with other people who have been through this same thing, and resources in our community are very slim.
Any suggestions would be welcome at this point. She's at her wits end.
He was first treated for simple depression, then with a wide assortment of meds for bipolar disorder. The meds for bipolar made his behavior worse, and his docs continue to try different combinations of things, but frankly it seems more like they're gussing than actually "treating" at this point. He's on lithium and one or two other things, and his behavior is stable, but unlike the behavior of the person she fell in love with.
His live-in partner really needs to be in contact with other people who have been through this same thing, and resources in our community are very slim.
Any suggestions would be welcome at this point. She's at her wits end.
Best answer: I've heard good things about the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill family support networks. Here's their online community.
posted by gnomeloaf at 11:23 AM on May 26, 2005
posted by gnomeloaf at 11:23 AM on May 26, 2005
Best answer: The online community called BPSO (BiPolar Significant Others) is terrific; I have some personal experience with them. There's a mailing list that's very active and full of wisdom, and the site's list of useful links is comprehensive.
Even if the SO isn't "diagnosed" as bipolar, his behaviors will probably be familiar to at least some of the folks in that group.
Best of luck to your friend.
posted by GrammarMoses at 11:41 AM on May 26, 2005
Even if the SO isn't "diagnosed" as bipolar, his behaviors will probably be familiar to at least some of the folks in that group.
Best of luck to your friend.
posted by GrammarMoses at 11:41 AM on May 26, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
It seems to be focussed on depression primarily, but if you scroll down the home page, on the left hand side there are links to some other communities, including bi polar.
Good luck to your friend.
posted by penguin pie at 9:14 AM on May 26, 2005