My mother has MANIC-DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, or bipolar disorder.

broken heart - A drawing of a heart broken into pieces. Greyscale.
Argentina
May 31, 2010 1:40pm CST
Its been over 15 years my mom started to change and begun with this manic depressive disorder.We still live in the same house. Im unemployed and its so hard for me to go out and live a regular life with a job as i can hardly go out of my house without my labrador retriever or my boyfriend. Both make me feel stronger against my own panic attacks. Has anyone been through the same? How do you live with this?
3 responses
@kedralynn (980)
• United States
31 May 10
I have bipolar disorder. I got it from my dad, tho he refuses to believe he has it. It's genetic and I hope you didn't get it from your mother. It's a hard battle both having the condition and loving someone who has it. So even if you don't have it, watching your mother and caring for he can be difficult. I'm sorry you have to go thru it. I get a lot of panic attacks too and I don't like to take the meds for it as they make me feel like a zombie. I tend to take my boyfriend with me everywhere too. To the doctor, to the store, and I don't travel alone. It's rough but luckily he is very understanding and does what he can to help.
1 person likes this
• Argentina
31 May 10
Thanks for sharing. What do you mean Kedralynn when you say you got it from ur dad. That you inherited it like geneticaly? of psicologicaly? Let me tell you I wouldn't take any meds for panic attacks. I rather grow my Cannabis Sativas and use them every now and then. Let's hope some day we'll get rid of all the unreasonable fears that so far don't let us live in peace.
• United States
1 Jun 10
It's a genetic disease that is often passed down from parent to child, or may skip a generation and go to a grandchild. It's passed down just like green eyes can be passed down from generation to generation. It's why I fear having children. I know there's a high possibility they could be born with it. That's a good way to treat panic attacks. Actually I was using it to replace my bipolar meds that I take in order to sleep at night. See I'm so severe that I don't sleep for days on end. My meds are expensive so I was using alternative meds to help me sleep. Plus all natural is better right? I try to keep up with my therapy which has truly been a big aid in accepting my condition and in learning ways to battle it without pills. Yes hopefully one day those fears stop. Or we learn how to manage them better. Either way, a happier healthier life is the way to go :)
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
1 Jun 10
i have both. it took me a few years to where i am now off meds, its hard for people who we love to have it, me, my family and even close friends talked about how i was in the pass. but now i am doing good. its hard to deal with for sure, think its harder for those who have a love one who have it. but if you are having panic attacks there is meds for you to help with the panic attack, my wife and daughter have them as well.
@shobhan51 (376)
• Malaysia
1 Jun 10
maxito100, are you male or female? the picture shows a male but since you mentioned you have a boyfriend, I am wondering.......... By the way, I have been living with my mother who suffers from manic depression since I was four years old. It's difficult putting up with people like her. I understand your plight but you have to have the tolerance and patience to overcome all problems related with living that depressive life. Sometimes you would feel like giving up everything and running away but don't do that. As long as you can take it you go along. That's what we did where my mother was concerned. Is your mother on medication? She needs it to calm herself. See a good doctor if you haven't. Cheers and a good day