Can college work for a BP teen?
Hi There,
My 17 y.o. daughter was recently diagnosed with BP II (two independent diagnoses). While there is relief with the diagnosis (it explains a lot), there is also a lot of confusion and still some denial. We're just starting on Lamictal and trying to navigate senior year and college applications.
This is all so new for us. I am concerned that the stress of a college environment will put her in harm's way. She is taking 4 AP courses this year because she is interested in the subjects and likes the teachers. She doesn't want an education accommodation because they will likely force her to drop the APs. She has reduced her load to 6 periods, instead of 7, and has a pass to leave class if she needs it.
How do we manage this? How can we help her plan for the future? College has always been in the plans. She has the intellectual horsepower to succeed, but I am concerned that if she goes away to school and gets in a bad space, the consequences could be dire before we find out. Do we delay for a year to make sure her meds are stable before she goes? Are there schools with a better reputation for helping BP teens navigate?
I'm looking for any help and advice experienced parents can offer.
Thanks!
Jane
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Learning patience and compassion, one day at a time.
Hello Jane, my daughter is not close to college yet - but I had a couple of thoughts. One is that maybe starting in a local community college would be easier than "going away" to school right now, without interrupting her education plans. Another option is that many reputable universities offer distance learning, so she could still attend, say Chico State (I see that you're in Nor Cal), without actually having to move away.
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Shelle, 49 in So Cal - Celexa 20mg, Xanax 0.5mg rarely as needed
Family Response Team member and CABF Support 11
rmadmom@hotmail.com
Single Mom to Rachel, 12 - BP, anxiety, ADHD (or maybe not) - Lamictal 200mg am+Seroquel 50mg am/200mg early pm, Therapeutic School
We also have Birdie, the love bird - she bites; and Scarlett, the kitten - she does too
FROM CABF: Do not start, stop, or change medication or other treatment for yourself or your child based on what you read on this Website or elsewhere on the Internet. Information presented here should not replace the considered judgement of a doctor who knows you or your child.
Jane,
I agree with Shelle. My BP son currently attends a community college and is doing well. He lives at home and we have to drive him there and back, but he likes college and we are glad he is willing to go. He is a super bright 19 year-old, but he has emotional issues that keep him from attending a University. He is where he needs to be for now and it's working for him.
Natalie in So. Cal--20 mg prozac for depression
FRT member
Nataliegouldward@netscape.net
My dd is not there yet either but I have heard from other parents of college age bp students that it is very possible. They key is to find a school that understands both the diagnosis and the symptoms and will help with a plan to 'check in' regularly with your child. I'm also thinking that a small school environment would be better since generally they are close knit, the professors really know the students, and there is more support both emotionally and educationally generally. I am working now with my older dd to help her find a good college fit and you have my sympathy. Its a lot of work with a so called normal child. Maybe you could help her find a small school within an hour or two from your home so that she gets the 'go away' experience but you are still close enough to help out if she needs it. Plus that way she can still keep her doctors if they are helping her.
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Karenj
Self: as sane as I can be everyday
A - DD (17yo) well adjusted, high functioning, motivated, successful, waiting patiently to go away to college
M - DD (13yo) Mood Disorder NOS (dx 4/2011) ADHD (dx 2nd grade), dumb high IQ, mainstream education with IEP/BIP, Seroquel 100mg twice daily - morning and bed time
BF - Live in boyfriend of 5 years, supportive and learning more every day
EX - Ex-husband, divorced since 2002, family history of bipolar, unpredictable and sometimes explosive
My older daughter who had the teen-onset bipolar tried and tried to be in college. She switched from one college to another, and in spite of being so intelligent, she just couldn't do the work, had too much anxiety to go to classes, too much depression.... and during that time really would have been better off not even trying. The same thing happened with job after job.
BUT, when she had an iota more stability, years down the road, she was able to successfully take a class (or two) at a time. Now, she can go full-time and work (she is doing a practicum), but only because she no longer has symptoms.
So that's the catch - the answer is - IT DEPENDS - it depends on the person's motivation, AND their health (body and brain).
My younger daughter was able to go part time while sick. Sometimes she had to take an incomplete and finish a course later. I strongly suggest starting with a community college, and even that only if the person is fairly functional.
--"Naomi"
It's Not Mental
Older dd: formerly(?) teen-onset bipolar: After over 13 years - stable off psych meds over a year. Now fine on just diet changes and higher thyroid levels after healing - addressing gut issues/Candidal overgrowth while using EMPowerPlus and other supplements.
Younger dd: formerly(?) Childhood-onset schizoaffective, TS, OCD, with disabling migraines since infancy. After over 15 years, is "recovered" for 4 years after treating endocrine issues, food sensitivities, gut issues, sleep issues, nutritional/mitochondrial needs.
My sister who had bp managed to make it through a year abroad in France and graduated from Wellesley College -- it is not uncommon for bpers to be very smart. So the concern is to make sure there are supports in place. Once your dd settles on where she would like to go, I would recommend visiting each campus and seeing whether they have a good wellness center. Some schools have a lot of awareness about what accommodations (regarding roommates, meds etc) can be helpful. The disabilities paperwork doesn't need to be filled out until after a decision has been made about where she will go. Generally speaking, smaller is better so that there will be people who know your dd and will notice is she isn't doing well. My dd was too easily stressed out, so we have her commuting to a small liberal arts college, and that has gone well for the most part. I personally would recommend sticking within a days drive from you so that you can go visit if you are concerned, but that's JMO!
Here are some additional resources for your dd. Most of these groups also have support for parents:
Young Adult/College:
NAMI's "Strength of Us" (http://www.strengthofus.org): A social networking community of young adults (17-30) with mental health conditions with a major focus on transition. This site is amazing and allows you to interact with peers going through similar struggles. It has articles and multi-media that focus on everything from educating yourself about your condition, finding further education or schooling, relationships, self expression, and whatever other topics you may want to add.
The Jed Foundation's "Half of Us" (http://www.halfofus.org): A campaign raising awareness of the prevalence of mental health conditions on college campuses while offering support, resources, and personal stories. Much of their information applies to college, much of it is also universally focused on young adults. They also have lots of videos from celebrities who share their personal struggles.
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation's "FlipSwitch" (http://www.bpkids.org/flipswitch): A site helping youth in their teens and twenties connect and better understand depression and bipolar disorder. They have podcasts, quizzes, and information on what depression and bipolar disorder really are.
Active Minds (www.activeminds.org): A college focused group that has mental health focused college clubs/chapters all around the country. They now have 257 chapters at different colleges. They also have events and speakers, lots of resources and a "news room" updating you on the newest Mental Health related stories.
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Joan in CA
Co-Moderator of Dual Diagnosis/Substance Abuse group with Becky
Family Response Team Volunteer
Link to my bio: http://www.bpkids.org/user/29354
To support CABF, go to https://www.bpkids.org/donate