My son was diagnosed with bipolar when he was in seventh grade. I started suspecting it when he was much younger though. I never suggested it to any of his counsellors/therapists because I did not want to feel like I led them that direction. It has been very difficult and the hardest thing is finding support for the parents. My son is 17 now and although it is still a struggle I have learned things along the way. We have been through 5 counsellors - 2 really good ones including the one he sees now, lost count of how many acute treatment stays, and 2 long term residential treatment centers. I am not sure what kind of answers you are looking for now, but chances are I have experienced some of whatever you are feeling or dealing with now. I will try and help answer whatever I can... I am by no means an expert, and I suffer from my own issues of self doubt, but I have been down the road you are walking.