Having done some research, I am convinced my DIL is bipolar and my son and I don't know where to go from here. Her mother committed suicide when she and her brother (who I understand also may be BP) were small. Her adoptive parents are in denial, but of course she isn't their problem right now. [Her step-mom is actually her deceased mom's sister; she & husband adopted the 2 kids.]

It may seem I am interfering, but DIL begged me to move in with them when I sold my house last year. I made the down payment on new house and have contributed significantly to household. I have only seen her have one other melt-down, but she is in the middle of a terrible rage right now and convinced my son & I are against her. Unfortunately their 3 y/o son is witnessing her behavior.

Last night was the worst. I stayed in my basement quarters but could hear her go on and on, screaming about petty grievances. My son tells me she got violent with him in the past--would slug him and he would just walk out. [Thanks for not telling me before I moved in, sonny.] I came close to calling police. Should I have?

Will this pass? And how do we get help for her when she won't admit there is a problem? I am so worried about their son. She is extremely possessive of him and is isolating him from his father and me. Should we call her family doctor, or a lawyer?

At the very least it is child abuse and no child should have to deal with this. It may not be intenional but the results are the same. I would insist she get help or tell her you will notify family services or some child protection agency. You have a choice not to live there. The kid does'nt. Hope this helps. It most likly isn't going to go away on it's own. If you don't take action to protect this child who will? TEXASCRITTER

Oh, Texascritter--your words do help so much! my son & i are going to have serious words today and i will insist on doing what you say. you are so right; i can (& probably will) leave, but the little one can't. i wish i would have called 911 last night in the middle of the rage.