Depressed

[katiekat]

I guess this is part of the bipolar? Sean has just seemed very depressed lately. I would describe him as mopey or sulky I guess. Just seems generally unhappy for no apparent reason. Nothing seems to make him happy and no matter what we do for or with him he is just miserable. Tonight we took him out for ice cream and all he did was say how cold he was, and barely ate any.(Rare for him to not eat a snack) He is constantly complaining of various physical ailments like his arm or leg or hand hurts.
When I try to talk to him he answers yes/no and that's it. When I ask him if anything is wrong he says no but I know something is wrong because he is acting strangely.
I am wondering if it could be due to the increase in meds because when he started on the Abilify his teacher wrote in the book that he seemed "sullen." It did eventually go away. I guess I am hoping that is what it is because I am not really sure what to do for him. There is no reason that I can figure for him to be so unhappy so I don't know what I could change to make him happier. I don't think it is something we can change. I don't think even he knows why he is unhappy.

[charliegirl]

I think you should call his pediatrician or psych and ask him. Only a dr can really assure you that its nothing to worry about, which is probably the case. I looked up Abilify and found this.

Some medicines can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Serious mental illnesses are themselves associated with an increase in the risk of suicide. When taking ABILIFY call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening mood symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, or thoughts of suicide. Patients and their caregivers should be especially observant for such symptoms within the first few months of treatment or after a change in dose.

As much as he drives you nuts when he is manic, you worry when he is depressed. Thats a loving mother! Have I mentioned lately how blessed he is to have you?

[misty]

I agree with CG. Call his doctor. I tried looking up online a variety of terms...looking for anything related to joint pain caused by bipolar meds & other than the actual Abilify statement that Barb found, I found nothing useful.

He is lucky to have you. I know you'll manage to get to the bottom of this.

[katiekat]

We were just at the psych yesterday and I did tell him but he didn't really say much about it. I am going to call his therapist tomorrow. She is much more of a help than the psych. He just seems to be the meds checker and it stops there.

You're right CG-he does drive me crazy but this is just weird. He is too quiet and just not himself. I do not want him to sink back down to where he was when we first took him to a psychiatrist.

I wish that we could help him to find that happy medium.

[charliegirl]

You will. I know you won't give up until you have found it. I just pray that its sooner than later.

When I think about all the problems you had when you first came here, I do see where what you are doing for him is making progress. Its harder to see when you are living it but its there. I hope this encourages you.

[bugsmom]

KK...how was Sean today? I tend to think this is also due to his meds increase. Did you get a chance to talk to his therapist today?

[katiekat]

Still playing phone tag with her...