Father Hospitalized....very concerned!!

Hi, My name is Angie...
My Dad has been hospitalized twice now in the last 2 weeks for his Bipolar Disorder...both times it was him wanting to go...He is in desperate need of help and I am very concerned about his mental state. This last time was because he was having Suicidal thoughts and the local Mental Health Facility was not accepting patients when we took him to the ER, even though he was just released from there the week prior (makes no sense to me why they released him to begin with) We ended up putting him in a facility an hour away and he has been in there for 4/5 days now, and I am not happy with the care he is receiving...matter of fact, I am more concerned about his mental health now than I was 5 days ago...ontop of everything else...my Dad thinks that someone is lacing his bedding and clothing with something, he is constantly shaking/trembling, he acts confused, he doesn't receive any one on one counseling and the floor he is on is mainly elderly patients with dementia/alzheimers, a place I feel a Bipolar Patient doesn't need to be, especially one who is there for suicidal thoughts.
I feel at a loss and not sure where to turn!!
I have been taking my Mom there just about every day to visit him, she doesn't drive and I have a family myself to care for...I'm tired!!

Angie

Wow, you are having a hard time. I'm sorry.

I don't know if this would help, but maybe you should search for support groups. The families there will have tried other health facilities and may have some advice. Here's a link to the University of Michigan's Depression Center website. It has info on several support groups in the state, and even if there isn't one near you, you can probably call for advice.
http://www2.med.umich.edu/psychiatry/um ... estate.cfm

Try to look for something local. I picked Ann Arbor since I don't know where you live and did a search. Here's one:

Bipolar and Depression Support, LifeWays, 1200 N. West Ave. Provides emotional and educational support to persons with bipolar or depression as well as family members of persons with bipolar or depression, 780-3332.

There's also nationally organized groups to help you and your dad.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
730 N. Franklin Street
Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: 1-800-826-3632. This is also a hot line for help with depression and bipolar.
Fax: (312) 642-7243
Web Address: http://www.dbsalliance.org

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance publishes brochures, books, and videotapes about the treatment of mood disorders, all available free of charge or for a nominal fee. They also have an information and referral line and their website contains helpful information.

Hang in there!

By the way, go to the DBSA (Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance)site to find a group in your area: http://www2.med.umich.edu/psychiatry/um ... estate.cfm