Bipolar help

[lostmom]

ok let me know some stratiges (sp) and some books for how to deal with this in kids. I am knew to this dx so please help me out!

 

[LauraAnn630]

Im sorry I cannot help.


I am 38, bipolar and have been on more drugs than I can count. Nothing has worked good enough. The meds I have been on have put me on a roller coaster ride of side effects with terrible mood swings and feelings I cant even explain to you. Most of the meds have introduced even more problems. Im riding out side effects right now after stopping yet another new pill invega.

I feel awful to hear about children with these kinds of problems. They must have a terrible time not understanding whats going on.

Good Luck to you.

 

[ireland_nicole]

First of all, ya'll are going to be o.k. There is information out there, but it takes a while to sift through and figure out what's right for you. Online, there is the CABF(child and adolescent bipolar foundation) w/ a lot of resources. We have gone through a lot of books, some great, some not so much. The important thing is to go through and take out what works. The ups and downs of raising a bipolar child and Children in the syndrome mix are 2 that I am reading now. Remember, bipolar is now the most common DX being made in children, so getting a second opinion from a child psychiatrist w/ experience diagnosing a lot of kids isn't a bad idea.

personal experience: we have felt it important to be wary of meds. Some medication is required for DD8 to function, but our goal has always been to use the mimimum amount required in order to use other therapies, behaviour mod, etc. We don't expect meds to "make"our child "normal", rather, we medicate enough to allow her to make choices - many times, it's a choice we don't prefer her to make, or is unhealthy, and so we use behaviour mod. It's harder, but instead of 7-8 meds some kids are taking, we use 2, and a very low dose of the second. Our daughter has bipolar,oppositional defiant d,ADHD(severe),Sensory Integration dys.Autistic Spectrum Dys,Reactive Attachment dis,dyspraxia, and visual perceptual processing d, or in "code" ODD,ADHD,SID,ASD,RAD,and the other stuff.

Our life is challenging, and that will never go away, and sometimes I am afraid of the future, but we will continue to fight for our daughter. We live a very scheduled life (every 15 min. 7 days a week) b/c she needs it. We spend our savings on therapies and phychiatrists (most of whom aren't covered by insurance) we struggle w/ getting services in our school system. In short, we live like a lot of families w/ special challanges. Along w/ the downsides of bipolar, etc. come a kid w/ amazing energy,passion, and imagination. I hope to be able, over time, to help DD find her passion and channel her energy in a positive way.

Sorry this post is so long, I just remember so clearly being where you are 2 years ago. In a lot of ways, this will get better than it is today. If you like, PM me and we can discuss this more. In addition, I'd encourage kids w/other challenges to add their input, as a lot of things aren't necessarily bipolar specific.

remember: Celebrate Neurodiversity!
Nicole

 

[Forevryoung]

I'm similar to LauraAnn in several ways and yet very different.

Welcome to "The Journey"- I should have been diagnosed as a child but it wasn't done back then. I've also been on 17 different medications over the years until I realized that I would rather handle the ups and downs without daily side effects. I am currently only on a new MAOI (anti-depressant) and have been doing wonderful for approximately 3 years. However, I was happy to have the meds in the past, clearing my world and making my days better. I never regret taking them (wish I had taken them sooner!!!!!!!)

Early diagnosis can be a benefit because you have the opportunity to learn how to handle yourself throughout it all- use each "swing" as a learning experience for your child and for yourself.

Just to give you some hope: I can honestly say that I am content with my life and that I am a generally happy person (I'm 23). I wouldn't change who I am for the world, I figure my life would be boring!

Be supportive, listen to your child, research medication (crazymeds.org is a great site for that), and find a good therapist for both your child and a different one for yourself