PinkInTheLimo Posted November 26, 2013 Posted November 26, 2013 T is sixteen and was diagnosed bipolar at 7yo by psychiatrist and medicated to varying degrees of success over the years. He has had several therapists over the years, husband and I have had marriage counseling several times over the past five years, some family therapy about a year ago. None has been particularly successful. Husband maintains "marriage first" policy and I can't put marriage before motherhood. (I realize the two should be compatible but my parenting is so constantly criticized and since husband doesn't even like T, I find that I am torn between two relationships with no way to blend the two.) Husband doesn't have faith anymore in therapy and sees residential treatment as only acceptable solution but admits that main reason he wants that is to remove him from home. (Doesn't know if it would help but would at least get him out.) I have searched residential but can't help but wonder if just separating the two of them might solve the bulk of the problem.) I should mention that son is very well liked, respected and successful in school and in relationships outside of the home. Husband doesn't think he needs therapy that the problem rest on T's shoulders. My impression is that "bipolar" is sometimes a catch-all label which psychiatrists put on whatever vague condition they have no other label for. You say that your son is successful in school, that sounds very non-bipolar to me because someone who really is bipolar might not be able to function well at school/work. I think you should put yourself in the shoes of your husband and your other kids. If there is one kid which is acting out all the time, this disturbs their lives as well. Whether on purpose or not, yours on surely gets the bulk of the attention. I think your husband wants order in his household, with kids who respect some structure (seems normal; how can you otherwise make a family with 6 people function). Your husband and you should discuss some ground rules on what you want from your son at home and demand that he obeys them. Seen the fact that your son can function at school, he should be able to follow some rules at home.
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