[lucyjoy]

My son has started raging daily again. It's been a long time since he's done this for an extended period. He does have bi-polar disorder but this is nuts. The doc says winter is the worst time for this but it's been sunny and warm. They did adjust his meds but they're not helping. He's yelling for 3 and 4 hours at a time every single day. I would much rather go back to him calling me names and cussing at me. It takes very little to set him off. Sometimes just walking into a room he's in makes him mad.

So, since running off to the beach is not an option for some of us, any suggestions for staying sane? I give up looking for ways to make him stop so, switching to my sanity. Ear plugs won't work as I need to be alert for flying objects or worse.

[Lorraine123]

Oh Lucy. Is it the stress of what is happening to his brother? Not that it really matters why when the raging is occuring.... I have no suggestions, sorry. A raging 16 year old isn't pleasant.

[lucyjoy]

Nope-he's pretty oblivious to the fact that other people exist other then to serve him.

[SAHmom]

Remember our children's main objection is to drive us crazy and granted they have succeeded...but we can't LET them know that!!! When my 15 year old would go through the rages, I think of some totally dumb song and I focus on the words. Doesn't always help, but...!!! I am sorry you are going through this. I am now getting a break as my son is in the RTC. The home is so calm and peaceful that it *almost* seems abnormal. I am sure you can relate!! My four year old, though, can not stand to have me sing "If you're happy and you know it...". He will immediately {if he is the one in trouble} says "but I'M NOT happy!!!".
I hope your weekend is better and he 'calms' down!!

[tybeemarie]

Wow. Daily 3 hour rages? From someone walking in a room? I cannot imagine the state of your nerves. I would start raging myself. Guess your other kids might not enjoy that, but who knows? Would a family rage-off be cathartic, or would it escalate the 15 year-old's rages into flat out violence? Can everyone else leave the house and go bowling? I am so sorry you are going through this.

[lucyjoy]

This would be the sixth day in a row and he's been at it since about 6. I tried singing but it just made him madder and now he says he's going to break the window.
I hate it when he does that. Windows are not something I know how to fix. I cracked the plexi-glass putting it in the last window he smashed.

I seem to have misplaced my sense of humor and am about to turn into untheraputic, angry mom. (not to worry, I'm still sane)

[Lorraine123]

There is no shame in being "untherapeutic, angry mom". I'm good at that.

[Kerbchek]

Wow... I hope the raging subsides soon. I've delt with 3 hour rages of a bi-polar child before, but never my child and never in my home... I know you've been through this many times before, but I'm sure that surely doesn't make it any easier...

Do you have someone you can "tag-team" with so you can get out and enjoy some quiet time... or a hot fudge sundae??

Sometimes I wish we were all next door neighbors so we could help each other out with more than just advice! Good Luck??!!??

[lucyjoy]

We use to tag team. However, that doesn't happen anymore. I'm the only one who can hold my temper in check when dealing with the constant yelling. So, tag, I'm it. It is a good idea, though. Wish it were an option.

[kay]

Oh Lucy, you have my sympathy but no suggestions. Mine is AWOL much of the time now, and when he is home he's surly and unpleasant, but at least not raging (as of now!) I know how draining that is. No friends you can dump him on for awhile? I seem to be running out of friends who are willing to take C - he's decidedly a Bad Influence right now, and I can't really blame other parents for not wanting him around their kids much. I'm starting to think seriously about military school.

Sigh, wish we all lived closer so we could do some actual support, rather than just send good wishes from afar . . .

[aMarylandfamily]

... are what get us through though ... so never give up on giving and receiving them!

Have been where Lucy is and know how really disheartening one day is after another and just knowing that this board is here to talk to (and escape into) makes the world of difference!

[crick]

Loud music to drown it all out? I'd give ya my implant so you can turn the volume waaaaaayyyyy down but still hear incoming "attacks" if I could.

I do wonder just how long it takes for vocal chords to completely crack. I mean, 3 hours and counting...ya think there would be some soreness by now? Some loss of voice? Man!

Hang in there and hope the other kids can stay sane as to not add to the mix.

[Lorraine123]

Good point. Lucy - does he lose his voice?

[hdallas]

I have a 16 yr old and he gets angry and yells----but not that long--Will he listen to a suggestion to go exercise or throw the basketball to get rid of the anger and energy he has??? Does he have a child psychiatrist--Can you give
the doctor a call? My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[SuzBerg]

Lucy - I have no advice. I am sorry things are rough for you. I'm sending good thoughts you're way (I know you'd prefer if I sent plane tickets to Hawaii-I'll start working on that) ! - Suz