https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 17:35:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts/page/2#post-728468 Sat, 22 Sep 2012 23:31:46 +0000 Jonesy 728468@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so happy to hear that everything is going so well! How wonderful for him and for you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-728316 Sat, 22 Sep 2012 20:23:39 +0000 Ornella 728316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I am catching up as I go along after returning from my holiday and have only now found out what you've been through lately. I do remember there were problems sometimes a while back, but I had no idea what the nature of it all was.<br /> I have no experience with this sort of situations other than generally dealing with people going through very rough patches, but refusing to accept they need to do something, let alone be helped. That itself is tough, so I can't even begin to imagine what it is and was like for you and your family. But I just wanted to say you are in my thoughts and I hope your stepson has really reached the important milestone with the knowledge of the real nature of his condition.</p> <p>One of my favorite Brits, ever, is <a href="http://www.stephenfry.com">Stephen Fry</a>. He's one of the most intelligent, eloquent, humorous and witty people I have ever known about. (I think he's one of the most popular people others follow on Twitter.) He has been diagnosed bipolar disorder, but rather late I think, in his late 30ies, and is also very open and vocal about the condition. Worth checking him if you need some reassurance that people who (and after) have been diagnosed can lead inspirational and amazingly productive lives on so many levels ;-)</p> <p>Hugs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-728264 Sat, 22 Sep 2012 19:08:03 +0000 MsMary 728264@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Glad to hear some good news, and glad your trip was a success! Thanks so much for the photos! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-728120 Sat, 22 Sep 2012 14:41:26 +0000 Anonymous 728120@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I'm so glad to hear that your stepson is doing much better. Managing mental illness is a lifelong process, and it's fantastic that he's taking steps in a positive direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-727385 Fri, 21 Sep 2012 14:01:38 +0000 Janet 727385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everybody,</p> <p>Thanks so much for all the kind words and support. I thought I'd give an update. I got back home late last night, and it's so good to be home! </p> <p>My stepson is doing MUCH better. He was released from the hospital and is now attending a day program that is quite intensive. He is the most stable and balanced we have seen him in three years. He's taking his meds, sleeping and eating on a regular schedule, and is finally speaking with great awareness and acceptance of his condition and the necessity of managing it. It's not easy, but he is committed to continuing treatment. A big thing for him is the knowledge that he is "not crazy." The acceptance of a bipolar diagnosis has been a surprisingly empowering thing for him. </p> <p>It was hard to be away while so much was happening, with very limited contact. As you might imagine, there is no cell phone reception in the Arctic Ocean 500 miles from the North Pole! But I was able to use a fellow passenger's satellite phone a couple of times to check in, which helped. The trip itself was an amazing experience -- it's hard to even put into words how incredible it was on so many levels. I was flooded with so many feelings of awe, inspiration and gratitude, whether I was walking around Reykjavik or riding a Zodiak through an iceberg-choked fjord in Greenland. </p> <p>So for now, we are relieved and enjoying the company of the young man we know and love, and doing all we can to support him as he moves forward. Thanks again for all your good wishes! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-715736 Sat, 08 Sep 2012 15:48:00 +0000 Jonesy 715736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I missed this too (I am only figuring out now that the OT threads are not listed on the Latest page). I know you are leaving on your trip today, but I had to chime in. It sounds like you are all doing everything right, and he is heading toward stability. The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be very fraught, and mental health issues can sometimes "come to a head" then too, on top of everything else going on. </p> <p>I hope he continues to stabilize, and you have a wonderful, exciting trip! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-711262 Tue, 04 Sep 2012 00:03:13 +0000 texstyle 711262@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I also missed this earlier but am glad so many YLFers were here to offer support. I am sending you best wishes for a speedy improvement for your stepson. Iw ould look into B12 (and other B vitamins), magnesium ,etc. for alternative support. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-711221 Mon, 03 Sep 2012 23:18:58 +0000 Jjsloane 711221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Missed this the first time around, but am sending all the positive thoughts and energy I can to you and your family. I hope your stepson gets the treatment and help he needs, and you have a great trip. Hugs to you all. Will give in person when you return! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-708368 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 16:09:45 +0000 velvetychocolate 708368@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Aggh...it does sound exhausting and stressful. In terms of stuff like fish oil and the like, I meant in addition to needed medication. Sometimes throwing all kinds of things at the problem works quite well. </p> <p>A family member of mine has diabetes, and while for years he was just taking the medication, once he did some additional things like changing up his diet and so on, his health got even better. This doesn't mean he can go without medication though! And similarly - he's gotten himself into such a healthy state that it can be easy to think the diabetes is "gone", but it's not - it's just well controlled and he's in a good state of healthy maintenance, if that makes sense. </p> <p>Meanwhile, I hadn't thought of the resistance aspect - that would make it harder. I hope that things work out beautifully and that your stepson will see things like medication as simply a tool to help him get into and maintain a state of health and well-being.</p> <p>Hang in there, and here's hoping things are turning around and that things are much better today than they were a few days ago. Best wishes for a fabulous trip - looking forward to hearing about it when you get back. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-708134 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 11:50:13 +0000 Janet 708134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you again, everyone. It really does my heart good to read these good wishes from you all. </p> <p>VC, my stepson is very interested in any kind of alternatives to medication (unfortunately, sometimes to the point where it can be hard to get him to take meds he needs), and he has taken fish oil before. There's a half-full bottle in our kitchen right now. So thanks for reminding me of that. </p> <p>This is the third time he's been through some sort of "break." As many people dealing with loved ones with these kinds of disorders will tell you, one of the biggest challenges in treatment is getting the patient to take their meds. Right now it's hard to convince him he *needs* it. He has paranoid moments when he thinks it's all intended to control him. And then, later on, as he's stabilized, he stops taking the meds (or "forgets") because he's feeling better and thinks he doesn't need it anymore. Same with counseling/therapy. He's technically an adult (although not yet financially independent), and we can't force him to continue treatment, so he has to want to get better and stay better. </p> <p>Whew. It's exhausting. But the fact that we have been through this twice before is a bit of a blessing in disguise. We know he can get better, and we know what does work in the short term, and what hasn't worked as a long-term solution. There is no easy solution -- like VC says, it is something a person has to learn to live with and manage carefully, like diabetes. The kicker, however, is that the times when the person most needs treatment are the times when they most resist it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-707997 Fri, 31 Aug 2012 03:45:17 +0000 velvetychocolate 707997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just wanted to check back in and say that I'm thinking of you and say that as far as I know, bipolar is totally manage-able, and that I really think it will be ok. It sounds like things went a bit haywire, but now that there's a diagnosis/understanding of what's going on, then this means there will be a plan to deal with it. </p> <p>I don't know if it helps at all, but I kind of think of bipolar as somewhat similar to battling diabetes or something along those lines (a chronic condition of some kind). It's not easy-street, but it's definitely manageable and treatable. </p> <p>I really think it's going to be ok, now that you know what's going on. I think that from here on out, things are only going to get better. Your stepson and family are much better able to respond to the situation, knowing what's going on. You have to admit, it's kind of hard to respond when you don't know what's going on, right? </p> <p>Meanwhile, although I'm not 100% sure about bipolar (no experience), my impression is that it's a condition that needs to be managed, much the same as someone who has diabetes or a thryoid condition to deal with. I'm not saying they are exactly the same, but there might be a few weeks and even months in there where you fiddle with getting the medication dosages sorted out and so on.The same is true of people in my family who have thyroid issues and/or diabetes issues. Increase and/or decrease medications as needed and so on. The first month or so is a bit challenging, figuring out the right dosages. But after that, it becomes a condition that is managed and monitored. </p> <p>Certain lifestyle changes might help a wee bit. I'm not sure what those might be for bipolar, whereas, I do know that more exercise and less sugar helps those battling diabetes etc. A thought/shot in the dark is that taking fish oil capsules and treating regular exercise like something of a 'prescription' might help your stepson a whole lot. I'm pretty sure I've seen studies out there suggesting that exercise is as effective, if not more effective, than typical anti-depressant medication (for regular, straight up depression - not sure about bipolar). Meanwhile, fish oil is very good for the brain - very helpful for all sorts of things. In fact, years ago, I think I came across something called Omega-Brite (high strength fish oil) and it's benefits for all kinds of mood-disorders - here's a link to some testimonials (including someone dealing with bipolar):</p> <p><a href="http://www.omegabrite.com/why/success_stories.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.omegabrite.com/why/success_stories.html</a> </p> <p>Note: I have not tried Omega Brite fish oil capsules myself, but I do think a good-quality fish oil supplement (any brand) might help, and at the very least - it's not going to hurt. I think you could extrapolate the success stories to any good quality fish oil supplement. </p> <p>In the end - while this is all horribly stressful, I'm 110% positive that it'll all work itself out. There might be a few weeks or even months of fiddling with medication and/or supportive therapy, trying to get it "just so" - but you'll get there, and your stepson will be ok. </p> <p>Here's hoping things are going as well as they can, given the circumstances, and that things are calmer than they were a day or two ago. Best wishes for everything working out beautifully, and that you and your family are resting a bit better, knowing that your stepson is on the path to healing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-707615 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 21:02:07 +0000 Inge 707615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I only saw this just now. Janet, I'm glad to hear everyone is feeling more positive today. I am sending good vibes and will be thinking of you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-707328 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:43:09 +0000 cciele 707328@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Big hugs to you Janet and I totally sympathize, dealing with someone with mental illness too. Glad that you are able to go on your trip -- it's so important to take care of yourself! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-707298 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:16:22 +0000 MsMary 707298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs, Janet! Mental illness is so tough on both the sufferer and the family! I hope this diagnosis will be a turning point and things will start to get better from here! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-707188 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:45:30 +0000 Anonymous 707188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am really sorry Janet. I'll have him in my thoughts. I am hoping the rough patch is transitory. You have a diagnosis, that's half the battle.</p> <p>It can be daunting to be diagnosed with a mental illness but bipolar disorder is very treatable. As a matter of fact, one of my best friends has been dealing with Bipolar since she was about 13 years old. She is 35 right now. She is a very successful woman and a delight to be around. She goes thru her rough patches, especially when she has to alter dosage or change medication, but they are usually transitory. Plus, she is very vocal about her condition and will promptly let her close ones know that she is not herself. I am hoping your stepson finds the right combo of medication and therapy soon. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-707174 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:32:52 +0000 Angie 707174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's relieving news, Janet. I believe that bi-polar disorder is treatable. A good thing. One day at a time. Max, hubs and your fur babies will be of great support to you and to each other. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-707173 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:31:45 +0000 citygirldc 707173@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey lady. He's in good hands and there's only so much you can do and hes' getting help. I know you're leaving soon so just enjoy your trip. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706978 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 03:53:20 +0000 Janet 706978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, everyone. Your thoughts and kindness mean a lot to me. So far, the tentative diagnosis is bipolar disorder. He's being assessed and treated inpatient, so it's a relief to have him in good, professional hands. </p> <p>I feel better about the trip now. Max (my other stepson) and one of the boys' good friends are here with us now, and they visited Nick today with their dad (I was working but will visit with hubs tomorrow). My husband is feeling better now too. All is under control and going as well as can be expected. We have to focus on each day as it comes and not get ahead of ourselves. </p> <p>I really appreciate the support. You all are the best. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706936 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 02:48:52 +0000 Debora 706936@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My heart goes out to your stepson, Janet. I hope he is able to overcome his difficulties, whatever they may be, and get the help he needs. Please take care and the same for your husband. Wishing you both strength. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706875 Thu, 30 Aug 2012 01:52:41 +0000 Lyn D. 706875@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Look after yourself for a bit Janet -and I am sure that other family members and friends will find the strength to step-up a bit while you are away. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706513 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 19:14:23 +0000 Gaylene 706513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When we were going through a difficult period with a family member a few years ago, my husband's words really helped me put things in perspective: </p> <p>"Your first responsibility is to make sure _____ is safe.Your second concern should be to ensure that ______ is as comfortable as can be given the circumstances and always knows that you will care and support him/her. BUT you can't be responsible for making ______ feel happy, or sad, or anything else; his/her feelings cannot be managed by you."</p> <p>For some reason, this statement let me step away a bit from the situation and get my emotions under control. I realized that I could only do so much, and, if I had done that, then I could go on with my life without feeling guilty if that a person who was near and dear to me wasn't feeling the way that I wanted him/her to feel. The feelings were something that I'd just have to accept and learn to live with. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706378 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 16:37:46 +0000 catgirl 706378@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hugs to you, Janet - life is overwhelming sometimes. Just try to remember that you'll be looking backward at all this one day... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706309 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:33:53 +0000 velvetychocolate 706309@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like an extremely stressful night last night...and I'm sorry to hear that things are going a bit haywire as you head off on your trip. </p> <p>Sending tons of calm/soothing vibes your way. Here's hoping that whatever's going on with your stepson (I don't recall seeing anything in the past) resolves itself beautifully and that your DH can relax. </p> <p>If you live near an ocean, and you have some spare time (not likely in the runup to a big trip, but still - might be worth it)...go sit near it, and time your breathing to the incoming and outgoing waves. With each wave in, breathe in deeply, and with each wave out, release the tension in your body and spirit. This is my best advice for anyone needing some calm and soothing reassurance. </p> <p>Hang in there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706300 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:25:50 +0000 annagybe 706300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Take care. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706238 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:41:36 +0000 JR 706238@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Adding my prayers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706219 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:18:22 +0000 Diana 706219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(((hugs))) Sending you lots of good thoughts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706214 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:13:33 +0000 Anonymous 706214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sending all the good thoughts I have to give. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706207 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:07:20 +0000 Anonymous 706207@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I'm sending you so many good thoughts. You will get through this difficult time. You have done what you could for your stepson, and now you must take the time to care for yourself. Big hugs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706193 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:52:18 +0000 RunnerChick 706193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet - I definitely have good vibes to send your way, and am sending as many as I can. I'm sorry to hear that your stepson is going through a difficult time, and equally sorry to hear that you are feeling fragile and ragged. Big hug! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ot---could-use-some-positive-thoughts#post-706188 Wed, 29 Aug 2012 13:46:22 +0000 Angie 706188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh! Janet, my thoughts are with you and your family. Life can throw us far too many curve balls at once and we never think we can cope. But we are always stronger than we think. Your boys will miss you, but I'm sure they will be fine. One day at a time and lots of positive energy from YLF to you. </p> <p>(((HUGS))). </p> <p>Think happy thoughts of your Mama too. That will give you strength. </p>