Janet tried to support her parents.

I was a young adult and I kind of was in shock, probably, because I never had experienced anyone being in mental institutions. I was there for my parents. I tried to be supportive. But it felt like an out of control ordeal. I was kind of helpless in some ways. I responded the best I could by listening to my parents and visiting my brother. I was trying to learn about it.

David has maintained stability in the last few years, does not currently take medications for bipolar disorder, and is working and living in his own apartment. She wonders if his mental health symptoms have lessened as he ages. However, she and her sister Laura are always on alert for behavior changes, such as talking angrily, acting more stressed, and expressing frustration about his job.

More of the Story: Her Brother David’s Experience