hi, I often get letters from readers. I like to pass on the ones that show positive stories of how this illness CAN be treated. It takes a team- that is for sure!

 Julie,

Thank you for doing this work.
Public, private and municipal awareness is essential.
So is education, school awareness.
You are amazing.

My 13 year old daughter has had an early diagnosis of early onset bipolar disorder and we have had treatment plans and interventions as needed in place for about 5 years now.
She is doing really well, is stable and we provide the best environment, prescribed meds and learning environment for her as possible.
Early detection and “labeling” for treatment and protocol purposes is essential.

It helps to detect, to understand and to treat appropriately.

Thank you for helping me to understand as a parent what exactly the cognizant pieces and self awareness that a BP person needs in order to ultimately help themselves.
I pass this on to my daughter, as she grows and is willing and able to listen and deal personally with her illness and indeed special needs.
Thank you for being a role model to young women with BP disorder.

Best regards and peace -

PWF

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Hi Julie,

My son, age 33, is bipolar and has made bad choices/decisions.  I have tried to assist him over the recent past.  The issue is how do I tell whether I am assisting or enabling.  I am looking for appropriate support organizations or resources to guide me.

Can you advise me?

Thanks,

R

Hello R,
 
You can look into the family to family program at NAMI- if you go to www.nami.org you can find a location near you.
 
My book Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder is for couples, but it has great info that you can use as well – the issues of caretaking are the same.

BP Magazine at www.bphope.com has a lot of info for families. I write a column for each issue.

My family uses my Health Cards to help me. They are life savers. You can use them yourself whether your son participates or not.

I need to write a book completely for family members!

These are resources here in the Us. I will find some more worldwide organizations and post them later.

Julie

 The interest in bipolar disorder and children never ends. It’s such a tough diagnosis.

I recently did an interview with Dr. Ajit Jetmalani on the topic of childhood psychiatric disorders.  Here is a link to the radio show- it is a great companion to the Newsweek article on bipolar disorder.

Childhood Psychiatric Disorders Radio Show

You may have to download this show onto your computer to listen.

Treating childhood bipolar disorder is complicated.

 Julie