My friend is in a mental hospital...

sunstarmoon777 · 07-12-2004, 07:22 PM

My friend Michael, who is like a brother to me as well, was commited to a mental hospital on Thursday. He is only 18, a straight A student, and simply one of the most amazing people I have ever encountered. He has been the "shining star" among his group of friends, he was so "normal" and on the right track, and I just can't believe this has happened.

He most likely has Bipolar Disorder...he was having a pyschotic break down...delusional, and hallucinating. He has been like this for over a week now. No change. I am so upset and concerned. His sister Molly is my best friend and I feel so helpless as to help her. I can't even contain myself. I talked to Mikey last night and he sounded more rational in his voice, but still the things he was saying weren't realistic.

He thought he had one the lottery.
He is making all these weird associations between letters and numbers and names.
He thinks he already graduated from college...but his own personal college.
He believes that he is going on Howard Stern to promote his rap group...and he can't even rap.
I could go on and on.

It's so sad and it is making me seriously depressed and upset. I talked to my therapist today and she said it def. sounds like Bipolar...I wrote him a letter last night telling him I understood what he was going thru...and I would be there to help. He called me and thanked me and said he would call me on the days he couldn't go to his NA meetings...however he isn't addicted to any kind of drug...he was a recreational pot smoker...and not like hardcore either...just sparatically. I mean I commend his actions on that but this whole thing is just boggling my mind. A millions thoughts a minute. I am afraid that this is going to make me hit the bottom. I can't stop crying at the thought of him being in there. I know it's where he should be but I want him home and sane. I am so scared he is going to get out and be a different person...

Thanks for listening.

Megan

bancher · 07-12-2004, 08:01 PM

how sad. i'm sorry he is going through this, and that you have to watch and worry.

thinking of you

jen

Little_Lady · 07-13-2004, 03:46 PM

I was put in a mental hospital at 17 for my own safety. Had major depression/psychosis & a drink/drugs problem.It terrified me at first cos i felt crazy & worried that id never get out. I worried about what sort of ppl i was locked up with. My nan felt a bit down about seeing me in there. i asked her how she got thru it n she said, 'i just say to myself: i won't be beaten'.

It took a while but i did start to feel better. helped me being around other ppl who were goin thru a similiar thing as me.I hope Michael feels better soon. I'm sure he appreciates ur support. If i hadn't have had anyone visit me i think i would have gone crazy. He is in a place where ppl know how to help him n to keep him safe. If u wanna talk feel free to pm me tc xxx

Dana Robinson · 07-13-2004, 09:42 PM

My nephew is bipolar. He was dx at age 6. I had to watch him go in and out of facilities for the next 4 years. They had a hard time regulating his meds while he was growing. Any time he gains weight his meds have to be ajusted. He is 11 now, and doing great. No problems for the last 7 months. It is hard to watch them be there, My father is also Bipolar. He has been in and out to. You just learn that when the episodes happens that is the best place for them to be. Better to be there than dead, which is almost what happened to my dad. They still live a normal life when the meds are working. My dad is better that he has been in years. We spend more time togather, because he feels like it now. My dad said just knowing his girls were there helped him alot. So by being supportive you are doing the right thing. And he is getting the help he needs to get back to a normel life. Dana

kis95 · 07-22-2004, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sunstarmoon777
I know it's where he should be but I want him home and sane. I am so scared he is going to get out and be a different person...

Thanks for listening.

Megan

(((((hugs)))))

Fortunately or unfortunately, he is where he needs to be so that he can come home and be sane.

Bipolar is a tough one because the cycles can be so extreme. With a bit of time, meds and some rest, I'm sure your friend will be stabilized and back to himself..not someone you don't know.

As others have already said, you're doing the right thing by offering your support and friendship. It's the thing no med can provide. Hang in there..it's going to be okay.