[gow13]

I'm a 37 year old housewife who can't even do her job! My daughter came home crying and inconsolable. I became angry and had her call her father. I sent an email to her school letting them know that we pay for her to go to a good school and for the past two weeks she comes home in tears. Her shrink won't up meds over the phone and her appt is not until the first week of Oct. How can I help her when I can't stop crying myself? I just become angry because I want to be left alone in my misery. I'm selfish I know, but it makes my heart bleed to see her in so much pain. I hold her and cuddle her but, junior high is hard, and it does suck, so how can I help her understand that she just has to keep trying when she gives me the same advice?

[Bipolarmother]

Oh I understand all too well. I have 7 kids, 7 great understanding and tolerate me so well. But I have a 14 yr old autistic son with ADHD, maybe bipolar? they wont diagnose that yet but so many times I lay on my bed and someone could be crying and I have no emotion! The house could be burning and I dont care!

How can that be?? So different for me from before 4 yrs ago when I first got sick with this. well depressed enough to make a difference.... and the cycles? Oh gosh bless everyone in my life!!!

It is amazing the once very in control, caring, hugging loving Mom who just cant take care of my kids especially the one who needs it the most.
Talk about guilt... but I have reluctantly given up my role to my husband and older kids. Luckily I have support. Do you?

[PromisesToKeep]

Oh, my! My heart goes out to you both. Genetic factors considered alone, with one bipolar parent, the offspring has a 27% likelyhood of having BPD as well. The BPD parent would be wise to be well educated regarding their disease and provide as stable, balanced and nurturing enviroment as possible. I know, that is like asking that which is nearly impossible when we, ourselves, are coming to pieces. I found that by putting these enviromental conditions in place that encourage emotional health, we can prolong the onset of BPD for our child as the later the onset, the less likely the disease will be as severe than childhood onset BPD. I will work on a blog post over the next 24 hours to address this issue and share my practical experience. God bless both of you, Moms. Its so hard to care for a sick child when you are sick yourself. You are in my prayers.
Hugs, Colleen

[blueoctober]

Hi gow13; it speaks volumes that you are concerned about the affect your diagnosis may have on your child. My mom is diagnosed (has been since I was a child) and I was diagnosed at 31. I showed symptoms since I was 8.

I understand how this illness can suck the life out of a person and literally caring for oneself becomes a chore. When you are well you can fill your role as mom, but during this time go easy on yourself. Do you have extended family that can help you out? Do you have a strong support network for yourself? Have you considered seeing a therapist?

[AlaMom36]

Wow!!! I thought I was alone. Im bipolar raising a bipolar teenager. He was diagnosed 10 months ago. My bipolar has been under control for 4 years. Now i feel like im loosing my mind. His unstable moods is making me angry, upset, severe panic attacks. He needs me and im here falling apart. I feel as though im drowning......