[SoSadMom]

Hi all, I am struggling with parenting a bipolar teen. I have to say I'm grateful that she's much better than she was say a year ago, when she ignored my rules, challenged me, threatened me, regularly became falling down drunk, cut herself extensively, etc. So, I guess I could try to look on the bright side and see that if she's better now, she could be better yet next year and the year after... but for months she's had a case of the "lazies", barely keeping up with school work, being stoned most of the time (which I do prefer to her being drunk, she's much less dangerous). She's been on medication for approximately a year and there has been some improvement. I just worry that she'll never be able to properly take care of herself or get control of her emotions enough to endure the stress of a job, everything not going her way, etc. to get through school and support herself. I've lost interest in living my own life but of course have this responsibility and so I will continue on... I'm just so tired and wish I could run away.

[nowheretorun]

sorry to hear of your troubles SoSad... i hope you'll fond friends and caring others here at PC... often we only need to put our thoughts out there to be heard, and others, specific advice is needed..

i cant offer parenting advice so i will say i'm listening and caring ... i hope the new day brings fresh hope and energy...

SoSadMom

I am sorry you are going threw this with your daughter. I have a son who had many issues, Also being a teen he just did the drinking smoking pot thing awhile back. Sadly teens are teens. Remember what we all did as teenagers. The only thing is life is scarey now. PLus shes on meds.
Talk to her as much as you can. Listen as hard as you can "if you can with out getting upset" Listening is the hardest part. I know how i felt with my son. It hurts your insides.
THere is NA and AA and mental health for kids. imo Her dr and school may help too. Maybe seeing a T ....too..
Know there is hope. always hope. These kids are amazing. They are so important.
I never thought my son could pass a permit test to drive. He did
Not that i am letting him drive on his own anytime soon. But the point being there is always Hope..................................
just the words of the sheep

[Doh2007]

Teens are impossible even without bipolar thrown in. You have my full sympathy.

[katheryn]

i agree with everything everybody has said here teens are just harder work now, with life struggles and expectations to live up to, i too can relate to not having the will to go on but need too to get others there, i have a family thats all got issues, i wont go into all that

but i think your doing the right thing by comming here for support
if you both saw a t seperatly might help, or even a family t
wish you both luck

[Cyran0]

SoSad, I agree that seeing a therapist yourself would be a good idea. They can help you do the right thing for your kid and offer advice to take care of you in the process.

Cyran0