[cashart10]

Tonight I watched the movie Mad Love with Drew Barrymore and Chris O’Donnell from 1995 with my 10 year old daughter. Does anyone remember it? Drew Barrymore’s character has bipolar. I adored this movie before I even knew what bipolar was let alone before being diagnosed. Anyway, the subject matter is a bit mature and heavy for a 10 year old but mine can take it. I fast forwarded through a couple of parts too. I explained to my daughter that Barrymore’s behavior is very similar to mine when I am really sick and, especially, if I’m not taking medication. My t thinks that, aside from all the crying I did in my last really severe depression (which my daughter doesn’t seem to recollect), my daughter has probably perceived my troubling symptoms as funny. She thinks much of my behavior would be fun and silly to a child instead of reckless, dangerous and bizarre. My daughter asked lots of questions about the character’s behavior and I’m glad we watched it. She kept asking me WHY she was doing the things she was doing and I just kept telling her it was because she was sick. I think she understands a little.

[*Laurie*]

I had forgotten about that movie! Yes, I liked it very much. Maybe I'll re-watch it...I hardly remember it, just remember that I enjoyed watching it.
It's wonderful that you openly discuss your mental illness with your daughter.