[Love&Toil]

My 9.5 y.o. daughter asked me last night. I have never tried but have definitely felt suicidal in the past so we discussed it. I told her I have always used those feelings as a trigger for reaching out for help to a doctor or counsellor. She had, in her own stress and frustration yesterday, said she was "done with life", but later clarified that she didn't feel suicidal but was really stressed. I'm so glad we have dialogue about this topic and I hope to be a good source of support to her if or when this ever becomes an issue. She had asked if my parents helped me when I felt suicidal as a teen and unfortunately in those days my parents didn't know how to support me (and infact were a trigger for my mental health problems but I didn't tell her that part as they are part of her life and I don't want to negatively impact their relationship). Times have changed, we are more open about MI now.

[Justugh]

my mom tried to kill herself 2 times when i was taken care of her

the first time i took her pills out of each and called my father to come home that was at 14

the 2nd time was worst she tried the pills again and blades so i took her door off the hinges to keep a eye on her ......she called 911 on me saying i was trying to kill her i heard her doing this ........i got in the car got my older brother from work down the street and left the house for 2 weeks ....i was 15 .......i took the car to a old hunting camp i known of and stayed there

[ozzy1313]

My son is 13 and when I was yelling at him about homework and taking his electronics away he said "maybe I should just kill myself". I later asked him questions and he said he is fine and I explained how that is not something to just say- that it has to be taken seriously.

Scares the crap out of me. He is sensitive and quiet. He is a thinker (very very smart- hence not wanting to do homework- aces tests) and in the past has had huge meltdowns and when he was younger- maybe 8- he said the suicide thing.

I am afraid to tell him more info about my past. I am scared that he will take it as an ok to do so. I don't worry about my daughter, but I am so afraid my son will have my depression

[Justugh]

Originally Posted by ozzy1313

My son is 13 and when I was yelling at him about homework and taking his electronics away he said "maybe I should just kill myself". I later asked him questions and he said he is fine and I explained how that is not something to just say- that it has to be taken seriously.

Scares the crap out of me. He is sensitive and quiet. He is a thinker (very very smart- hence not wanting to do homework- aces tests) and in the past has had huge meltdowns and when he was younger- maybe 8- he said the suicide thing.

I am afraid to tell him more info about my past. I am scared that he will take it as an ok to do so. I don't worry about my daughter, but I am so afraid my son will have my depression

wait until he is 25 .......that is the time we settle down and act more like adults and less like jackass self ........i did not believe it myself until i turned 25 and one day i was thinking it was true for me and looking at ppl i know the same seems to be true for them (less crazy stunts less middle of the night beer runs over state lines ..settled down)

[Imah]

Perhaps you should stress to your daughter that not all bipolars want to commit suicide (even if you sometimes think about it) 9 years old is very young, and she should have the idea that mommy will never go away.

I only say that because I have angry feelings towards my siblings for things I learned about when I was 9. My siblings thought information couldn't harm - but I see how knowing some things to early.

On a positive note - wow how wonderful that you hear your daughter when she speaks. I wish someone had heard me when I was in fifth grade - or heck, any time during those formative years. Parents are so busy telling kids how to act they don't listen. I did that too. I thought I was doing great, but now I look back and just see how much I missed.

To Ozzy - don't wait. Talk to your son, don't tell him not to feel or think what he is feeling or thinking. Listen, and share with him your experiences (filtered but honest).

[Love&Toil]

Originally Posted by Imah

Perhaps you should stress to your daughter that not all bipolars want to commit suicide (even if you sometimes think about it) 9 years old is very young, and she should have the idea that mommy will never go away.

I only say that because I have angry feelings towards my siblings for things I learned about when I was 9. My siblings thought information couldn't harm - but I see how knowing some things to early.

On a positive note - wow how wonderful that you hear your daughter when she speaks. I wish someone had heard me when I was in fifth grade - or heck, any time during those formative years. Parents are so busy telling kids how to act they don't listen. I did that too. I thought I was doing great, but now I look back and just see how much I missed.

To Ozzy - don't wait. Talk to your son, don't tell him not to feel or think what he is feeling or thinking. Listen, and share with him your experiences (filtered but honest).

I learned some things about family history of abuse at a young age which triggered unbearable anxiety in me. I am very careful to protect my children from such things. My doctor says to keep them in a "pediatric bubble" as long as possible. Of course I try to address questions in an age appropriate and security building way. My daughter doesn't know mt bipolar label but knows about depression and that without my meds I feel "too sad, and too mad". Without meds I feel like my family is better off without me but I know that's a lie and those feelings were a signal I need help. She seems satisfied with those answers and was reflecting on how children give parents a reason to live.