Parents of kids with bipolar disorder..
I often feel sorry for my mom. She has to deal with so much concerning this illness. I’m having a super tough day today and she knows it. I always tell her what I’m going through. I am very honest: “I’m sick today. The depression is really bad.”
My mom has used the Health Cards for seven years- this means she knows what I need, but it doesn’t make it easy. She knows I am safe and that I know how to take care of myself. But it must just break her heart to see her child so sick.
I’m lucky that she was willing and able to learn my system. It has saved our relationship – and my life! many times.
I have options, as we all do- when I’m this depressed. On some days, I really do need to see friends and hang out. But friends aren’t always available- on some days, like today, I know that working is my best recourse. I always feel better when I work. A lot of my depression comes from work situations that don’t work out- or that cause too much stress- so when I get things done and do them well, the stress is less!
It’s important to look at what is going well. It feels impossible to do this when you’re depressed, but it’s possible.
- I see my nephew this afternoon
- It’s not raining!
- I have work ideas that will be successful
For now, I’m going to get to work. No list making, no wondering what I should be doing, no crying and feeling sorry for myself. That is depression, not me.
I promised on my last post that I would write down my accomplishments before I go to bed tonight. I will do this.
I’m glad my mom has the Health Cards- I need her help today and she knows exactly what to do!
If you have a child with bipolar disorder, it’s NOT easy to know what to do. The parenting skills that work with non bipolar kids don’t necessarily translate to kids with the illness. You have to learn a new set of skills, as my mother did with the Health Cards!
Julie
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Bipolar Disorder is a severe and complicated mental illness. Many doctors are unable or unwilling to diagnose bipolar disorder in children and young teens. It is important to get help and recognize the different treatment options available. The Silver Hill Hospital website has some helpful information and resources.