Are you a parent of a child with bipolar disorder?

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

PS: The picture is of my mom and my nephew David.

4 comments to Are you a parent of a child with bipolar disorder?

  • Colby Kaye

    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.

  • Christina

    I so needed this today! I reading this blog as I’m sitting in the emergency room waiting for my bipolar son to be transfered to a psych hospital. Thanks!

    • Hi Christina,

      I remember when I had to do the same with my partner Ivan. It saved his life, but it was hard. There was not enough help for me! We are both fine now. It can feel desperately sad- but people do get better. The hospital is a truly healing place- even when the person with the illness complains! I’m glad your son is getting help.

      I coach parents of children with bipolar disorder. It starts with a 30 minute intake call- it’s free of course. We can get a lot done in 30 minutes. Feel free to write me and let me know if you would like to set up a call. I’m not trying to find new clients- I just want to help everyone in your position- I promised I would do this if my partner and I made it through his hospitalization! Julie

  • Frankie

    Our beautiful in spirit 22 year old daughter is devastated with a confirmed BP diagnosis after we dodged the diagnosis for three years, (hoping it was a rare thyroid thing, or maturing, that Aripiprozole was helping…) When she stopped her 5 mg/day dose this June – she ended up with a euphoric manic episode starting in Aug 2012 & culminating with an evaluation & hospitalization by mid-September.

    How did we miss it for 45 days??? She seemed to be so happy (compared to her 1st episode in 2009 – racing thoughts & deep depression). We are a close family, but, I have become the “enemy” at times – since I was “the one who dumped her in a loony bin & now am enforcing dangerous medicines that aren’t organic/natural”.

    I bought your book, “Take Charge of BP Disorder”, in 2009 – recommended by one of the psych ward nurses, but, have been recently pouring over the web, etc. looking for information – My daughter wants me to find an “organic” cure that doesn’t involve meds. She has always had anxiety (we thought due to several learning differences…)

    Our daughter has a very good psychiatrist who is trying the med adjustments for long term help. I believe we need family help, big time. We need to learn what is helpful to say & when. We need to talk to someone who can help us help our precious daughter get a life started again. She also needs to find a “BP talk source” that can help her not feel so “alone/stigmatized by the world” in this illness.

    Thanks very much for your site & honesty – you provide great information, but, more importantly – help normalize what is currently a terrifying event for our family.