My son doesn't support me

[Elektra_Demons]

My son (17 just started final year of high school) doesn't believe that I have BP2. He thinks that I have complete control over my actions. (I am only recently diagnosed Sept 08). He puts me through very stressful situations e.g. he is confrontational or he gives me the silent treatment or he starts pressing my buttons. Frankly I am tired of it. I have had to deal with a lot regarding him over the last 2 1/2 years. For example his deep depression and suicidal thinking, his sexuality, being bullied and so on. He seems to think everything revolves around him and his emotional equilibrium. I say enough now. Life cannot revolve around him all the time and he lives in a bubble concerning my illness and how it affects me. I feel as though he is bullying me just like my father bullied me all of my life. Aaaaaaargh I feel so frustrated and stressed out and all because of this 17 yro!!!!!!!!!!

[bernie40]

He is still at that age where he does think the world revolves around him!  You should point out to him that you gave him the unconditional love and support he needed while he went through his various crises and that all you ask in return is that he respects your need to be respected.  As him how he would have felt if you had turned your back on him, if you had disbelieved him.

BP is difficult for others to understand and at 17 he has not had anywhere near enough life experience to begin to understand it.  He may also be in a form of denial that there is anything wrong with you because that makes you vulnerable and kids see their parents as indestructable.

Set some ground rules and be strong about making sure he keeps to them.  This is your home and just because he is your son does not give him the right to be disrespectful.  Something I point out to my teenager frequently.