My 19 year old daughter just been diagnosed with bi polar

[lil123]

Hi I was wondering if anyone had a daughter or son with bi polar living with them and how they cope?
My daughter has been in hospital for 6 mths and just been released off a section 3.
I have agreed for her to come and live back home but the hospital have offered no support and I work 40 hrs a week and also have a 3 year old to care for as am a single parent.
Just wondering if there is any support I can get for her as well as trying to keep her at home.
When she is 'manic' she has no regard for anyone and used to have parties in my house etc, drinking and doing what ever she wanted.
Other than give up my job I watch her 24-7 I'm not sure what I can do when she goes off like this.
I just feel like my whole world has been tipped upside down again yet know the best place for her is here where I can support her.
Thanks

[Sandy-Wroe]

I'm sorry to hear about your daughters diagnosis.
Ask to speak to her social worker and see what help is available. The best place for her may be in your home, but is that the best situation for you and your other child? You seem to have enough on your plate with a full-time job and a 3 year old to look after. Trying to look after an adult with mental health problems is very demanding.
Good luck.

[sacha.86]

i dont think your going to get the kind of support you need but get in touch with your local mentle health team and see what they have to offer.make sure she takes her medication and just b there for her. Try to be understanding and research her illness so you no more about it from her point of view. But u also need to be tuff with her at times. If u end up leaving your job your daughter will b intitled to disability allounce and yourself careers allounce but i doubt it will be as much as u get from working. Hope things work out

[LoftyLottie]

So unfortunate. Since it was decided that care should be in the community, the system has failed so badly. There are no facilities or finance to back it up and there are no many people who need help and are just not getting it. All I can suggest is that you try social services, but I don't think you will get much joy. Is there an organisation that you can contact for advice? Do try The Mental Health team as Sacha sugests. Perhaps someone on here will know.

Just found this

http://www.mdf.org.uk/

I do wish you luck.

[chanel5]

The onus here is on your 19 year old daughter to take her medication. If she doesnt she will destroy your life and your other child's life. You need to be strong and firm with her and tell her that if she comes home it is on condition that she continues taking her medication. Any lapse and she can no longer live with you and your child. You need to say it and mean it. Your three year old does not deserve to have to live with the consequences if your older daughter does not try to help herself.

[lil123]

Thank you everyone for your advice xxx

[tamborine]

Had you told the hospital you couldn't have your d'ter they would have contacted social services and installed her in suitable & professional care. It's not too late to change your mind. Your d'ter would be better off in company of her own age within the SS regime.

I've seen some of the homes used and the lodgers are really happy & bright in them. There's plenty of activities arranged, especially now at xmas. Have your d'ter placed likewise - you can always have her for w/e to see how you cope.