My daughter admitted again

My daughter was released from the hospital 5 weeks ago and was making really good progress (diagnosed bipolar II)--back in school, trying to catch up, back into sports. Last night, though, the tires came off: she stated to cycle through mania, anger, and depression very, very quickly. Was out of control. We got her to the hospital around 12 am. The psychiatrist said he'll look over her meds again--she has been on about 700 miligrams of seroquel a day. I know she has been getting better, and I believe this is a set back, but I have faith that the doctor will figure out the right meds and that my daughter is strong enough to come through this. I know she'll never be the girls she was before all this started (she's 15), she'll be different because of these experiences, but I'll love her that way too. She's my little girl and I just want to hug her and take the pain away, but I can't, of course. And even when she's in these manic states, I know she knows that her mother and I love her. I just want her home again. I really miss her.

dayton52
I'm so sorry this is happening, but I am glad to read that you are getting her to doctors for help, that you believe in her, and that you believe in her treatment.
If you don't get to see her every day, I have an idea: would you write her a note each day, to give to her sometime in the "far" future, after she gets back? As a teen, it was very hard for me to forgive myself for causing my parents embarrassment, grief, trouble, making them tired, being broken instead of the perfect thing they had once made. So, I think that having evidence from that time would help me believe them that they were able to worry more about me than themselves, and that they don't, therefore, resent me in some way............A kid needs to know that, and it's not something they really believe if you tell them....but looking at the evidence a bit down the road will stun them, surprise them that you did this for them--found a quiet moment to think gently about them---and that you were willing to give it to her later, still loving her.
Maybe this, or something like it, is worth a try?

Hey Dayton,

I am sorry this is happening... you seem to be coping well with what is going on with your daughter. I think its great that as her parents you and your wife have made the vow to stick by her.

I think bpd2's idea is great though!!

I am sure it is just a helpless feeling when you love your child so much dayton52. and I think that writing special notes to her for later is just a terrific loving thing to do. It will help you cope as well as make her know she was loved even in the bad times of her illness.

Keep going you are doing a great job.

Thanks, everyone.

Thanks for the ideas--I'll try to use them. My wife or I will get down to see her everyday (weather permitting). The last time she was in, she got really mad at us. I'm hoping that's not the case this time, that the doctors and therapists can get her back on track quickly and we can get her home.

I am so glad to hear one of you will be able to get in to see her each day. It matters, even if she is angry in the moment, the month, even then year. It matters in the long run, even if it is very rocky and feels emotionally risky now.

Part of the reason I suggested the notes is that it's likely that she will be mad at you...but there are a lot of reasons for that, and one that can be eliminated, over time, is guilt and shame. The notes would help with that.

So sorry to hear. I hope she is getting the help she needs now. Lets hope all goes well. I will be thinking of you guys.

Sorry about your situation. Im a teenager who had recently been in and out of the hospital, so im sure my mother has felt what you are feeling. your daughter will have to deal with this for the rest of her life, and its hard, especially in high school. when youre bipolar teenager, you feel really different. its hard to "fit" somewhere. its hard to deal with medications, therapy, hospitals, school, and social stuff all at the same time.. hope she gets plenty of phone calls home

Dayton, I am sorry to hear that, but I am sure your daughter will get the help she needs. You sound supportive and that will be very important to her, even if she doesn't know it now.

Love and best wishes to all your family. It's great that you are such a good support to her. She will appreciate it, even if not straight away. Remember that you can only do the best you can. You will make mistakes but that's ok coz you are trying so hard to help her.

I'm so sorry that you're daughter has had a setback! I can imagine that must be very hard for you to deal with but it sounds like you are coping very well considering the circumstances. I hope things get better soon. Keeping your family in my thoughts...

Will be keeping your daughter in prayer♥

Thinking of you. It's really heart-warming to hear what a caring parent you are. I really hope her meds are adjusted quickly and she's able to be home again quickly.

I know she'll be better in no time - it would also be great to meet her some time. Maybe she'd benefit from registering on PC and chatting to us too?

I wish you lots of strength

Hey folks--

Thanks for your encouraging words. My daughter's on seroquel right now, and her doctor is considering adding either lithium or depakote to help with the mood cycling she's still experiencing. Hope to have her home soon.