[Bpfroggy]

My 9 year old son has been extra clingy (not in a negative way, just giving lots of extra hugs and being super nice) since I had to go to the ER to have my meds adjusted (I'm bipolar and was in a mixed state with suicidal ideation). He wasn't home at the time so as far as I know he's not aware that I went to the hospital, but I'm guessing he's noticed that I'm more mellow and easygoing now. I feel like he knows something was wrong with me and that I got help for it. My moods are much more stable since I was properly diagnosed and now medicated. I have asked my son why he's being so super nice and he just says that he loves me. I'm wondering if there's something (like worry) underlying his behavior.

I haven't discussed my bipolar diagnosis with my kids (9 and 7) - I was diagnosed with depression a long time ago but only recently with bipolar - and am wondering if any of you have advice about how I can share this information in a non-scary way. I feel like they should know but don't want to worry them too much.

[kaliope]

part of me is screaming that they are too young to handle this information and that you should wait to tell them but then again your sons change in behavior is probably related to your trip to the er. he may not know that you went but he probably noticed the change in your behavior that necessitated the trip to change your meds and he is being extra nice not to stress you out. there is danger of him becoming a parentified child, stepping up to take care of you, thinking you cannot care for yourself. that is why he needs to know what is going on with you. so you can just let them know that mommy is sick, as much as I hate calling what we have an illness but it is what kids can understand, just make sure they understand it isn't a bad sick. and you take medicine to make it better. you can describe the symptoms you get when you get sick so sick doesn't scare them. let them know you will be all right and they don't need to worry about you. they need to know that your cycles aren't their fault and they don't have to take care of you. hope it goes well. take care.