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.
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.
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?
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.
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):
http://www.omegabrite.com/why/success_stories.html
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.
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.
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.
