Hi and welcome to the boards! I hope you are able to find lots of information to help you through this journey.

I wanted to share a small piece of history as I feel I can relate to her. I was 14 when my despair, delusions, and explosive behavior began. I was soooo good at hiding what ever it was I wanted to hide. I was a liar, a manipulator, and I too (then, not now) wore my bipolar as a badge of honor. I was diagnosed with major depression at 14 and the with bipolar 1 a year later at 15. I was different however in that I hated the psych ward. Instead, I retreated to my own little nook in the trees in my back yard. . I could go on but not only is it a little shocking, it is also a bit embarrassing. I had to leave school early pretty much every day my sophomore year because I would start thinking and believing things sometimes and often times I would experience derealization. I ended up having to drop out my sophomore year and do a home hospital program from home. I went to a special school for my junior and senior year where I was never in class because I was terrified to be there. The few times I would go to class, I’d pass out from all of my sedating meds. It’s pretty amazing I survived, let alone graduated. I did start to get better toward the end of my senior year and by the time I was 20, I had stopped meds and it was like it never even existed. I went to college and everything. Of course I had a psychotic break when I was 28 and a mom with kids of my own. I’m 35 now and I’ve had ups and downs since. But I have a pretty amazing doctor and I know better than to ever stop meds again.

I have 3 pieces of advice. Firstly, if you are spiritual, immerse your child in that. Personally, my parents were Christian so I was required to go to worship 1 x a week and Bible study 1x a week. I hated it but in hindsight, I had so much darkness in my head, it was the best thing for me. I’m not saying you have to do this at all but I’m suggesting that if you are spiritual in any way to strongly encourage her in that direction. Secondly, find her a really good doctor!!! Look until you find one who is truly willing to fight for your baby’s wellbeing. Thirdly, find her a really good therapist. One that she connects with. It will help her a great deal to be able to process her experiences and learn coping skills. If you have any questions or just need support, please feel free to pm me! Good luck and best wishes in your journey with your daughter.