I have a 15 year old son who was diagnosed as bipolar and ADD last April. I am a single mom working 3rd shift. His father is not in the picture at all. I don't even know where he is. We've been divorced for 14 years. My son and I have always been close and we get along very good. But recently he has gone thru some really bad mood swings and problems at school and has had to be put on homebound school. Social settings seem to cause him a lot of anxiety. Between work, doctor's appointments, therapy, and orthodontist appointments I am starting to feel overwhelmed. His doctors just can't seem to understand that I don't have enough days in the week to do everything they suggest. I don't have time to take him to the local community college to take classes for a hobby like cooking or art. I have already given up my college education because it won't fit in my schedule anymore.I have no time for myself and sometimes I catch myself thinking that I wish he would hurry up and get grown. Then I feel terrible because I love him very much and we have a better relationship than a lot of parents and teens do. Some days I just feel so bitter because his father has left all of the responsibility on me and I have no one to turn to. It is a very dark tunnel and it has taken me almost a year to realize that I need help. Some days I have trouble making myself do things like laundry and grocery shopping. I get so overwhelmed. Please don't feel ashamed for admitting you need some help. A lot of us are in the same boat and we all need support or we wouldn't be on this forum. You are not alone.

Hi,

You do a lot of driving. Can he take the bus? How many more months before the braces come off?

He is fifteen. He needs more responsibility around the house.
He can do his own laundry (and fold his clothes and put them away), keep the kitchen clean, start dinner, take out the trash, and vacuum.
You should ignore his messy bedroom.

Does he have any opportunity to exercise? Exercise helps tremendously with mental health and overall health.

Regarding how to handle your own stress . . . Exercise and get enough sleep. Hire anyone you can to help out with any household or laundry duties.
Do you have your own therapist? You can find someone who is trained in relaxation techniques.
Good luck.

M

We started home bound school this week and things are getting better. No more fights about going to school and his mood swings are calming down. We have started taking walks in the evening and getting outside has helped with my stress levels. Still have over a year until the braces come off. We live in a rural area with all of his doctors and dentist over 45 minutes away. No bus service. But since he has started homebound he has a list of chores to do every day and it has helped me out a bunch. I help him with his school work, get some sleep, and when I get up we go for a walk before I fix dinner and get ready for work. I feel like things may be looking up. It also helps to get advice from people like you because it lets me know I'm not alone out here. Thanks for taking the time to send some advice. Send more anytime.