[GeneticSwamp]

Help! My 14 year old is clearly struggling. I'm sure she has bipolar even though the pdoc hasn't committed to the Dx yet. Her problems are so confusing! I don't know what to do with her half the time.

Would love to chat with others who are dealing or have dealt with their kids' intense unpredictable mood swings, suicide attempts/self harm, delusions etc. It's so tough trying to figure out when to discipline and when to offer comfort.

Looking for someone with whom to walk this path.

[Victoria'smom]

There are several parents dealing with bipolar children on the bipolar board.

[GeneticSwamp]

Thanks. I've posted over there, but I'll try again.

[dayton52]

Hi--

We've been living with/coping with a teenage daughter who was diagnosed as bipolar about two years ago. To be honest, it has been rough. The drugs seem to be working better now, but she has not committed yet to do what she needs to do to get better (like exercise). We are trying to take it one step at a time. First, was stabilize the mood swings (she talks about self-harm in her manic states now, but does not do it). Next was school--almost failed everything, now doing very well. Now it's time for more self-agency--taking control of the situtation as best she can, stop seeing herself as a helpless victim, show her she can help herself. Still seeing a p-doc and psychologist. Our fear is that she will turn 18 soon and we lose some of the clout we currently have. She still once a week of so has a screaming rampage--just so angry over the smallest thing, but she feels sorry afterwards. I know it's frustrating for her too.

So, hang in there. Get the help you need. Pray. Love you kid.

[GeneticSwamp]

First stabilize the mood swings...how long is that going to take? Just started Meg on Lamictal this week and it will be 3-4 months before she's up to therapeutic levels. She has missed about half of her school days so far this year, with most of her absences in the recent past since she crashed in October. She says she tried to kill her dog. Scary stuff.

[dayton52]

Hi--

I have a hard time checking in on a regular basis. Stablizing the mood is an ongoing thing. About a year or so into it, I think we turned some kind of corner. Things were getting better before that, but to consistently see her happy and in control took a while.

Our school was great working with her--she missed over half of her classes her freshman year. The principal and guidance office were wonderful. We got her out of the most demanding classes and arranged for an independent study (reading young adult novels and talking about them with an English teacher). They were very understanding, but I'm sure that's not the case everywhere.

The anger outbursts are the worst thing now. Happened again today.

When she's really in a manic state, she threatens our dog as well.

I pray that you and your daughter get through this. Things WILL get better.

[GeneticSwamp]

Things are pretty okay here right now. DD's pdoc recommended keeping her out of school for the rest of the semester, so she's been home. Fewer episodes with less stress, but she's bored and I don't get much "me time". But our relationship is closer, I think and that's a plus.

Are the holidays harder for your daughter or can you enjoy them as much as anyone else? We're okay here, but never much Christmas cheer in this house. I'm not sure how to create it. It's never been part of our family really, especially once all the kids were over Santa. I miss the holidays from my childhood and getting together with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents. It was so warm and filled with love. I'm gonna work on exuding that loving feeling to my family this year and not stressing out.

Thanks for your encouragement. It's great to talk with someone who understands.