Thank you Don

• Bipolar Teenager? by Mireille Deschenes, 9/20/97
  • Ways of treating severe depression by Don Nathanson, 9/20/97
    
    

My boy is hospitalized since yesterday. I felt confused, anxious and lost when I wrote to this forum. I had never heard of the bipolar illness before hearing this expression from my son's psychiatrist a few days ago. You have no idea how distressing it is for a Mom to see her teenager, a boy otherwise happy and full of zest for life, becoming suddenly and inexplicably totally withdrawn, miserable, sad ...and suicidal.

My son is being taken care of by a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of bipolar adolescents. I do not know much about this illness (psychiatrists intimidate me and I don't dare require too much of their time).I will try to find resources in my community. There is a lot of information on the Internet and indications as to groups providing support for afflicted families, but I found nothing, so far, in my country (I am not in the US) and in French.

Anyway, thanks for your kind, wise and prompt reply Don. You have no idea how helpful it was to me during this most stressing week of my life.

• Good for you, Mireille! by Sue Deppe, MD, Burlington, VT, 9/24/97