It certainly gives us a different perspective
I was diagnosed with bipolar shortly before my twin daughters were diagnosed. I had spent so many years as a teen and young adult suffering in silence.
when my girls suddenly became so ill and needed to be hospitalized I was shocked to say the least and needed to see our pdoc right away to have my meds adjusted. I am very glad that I did because I seriously doubt that I could have handled all of this.
I understand how my girls feel. I understand the struggles they face. Somedays I am glad for that and other days I am not.
In the beginning we suffered from the domino effect. When one would go down the others were soon to follow. It wasn't easy dealing with a depressed teen and being depressed myself. It wasn't easy when the domino effect stopped and there would be one who was manic, one who was depressed, and me who was just scared.
Since we have found stabality we all can understand each other better. My girls have been able to forgive me for my horrible behavior when they were young. I have been able to forgive myself.
We are now there for each other and closer then most mothers and daughters in many ways. We can tell on each other when we see our psychiatrist together. No one can get over on him these days. LOL
So being bp and raising bp daughters has its hardships but it also has its joys and we are all stronger because of it.
--
Roberta Teen4 co- moderator with Janice, Chat Team Leader, Family Response Team, BringChange2Mind volunteer
Mom to Kathy and Susie 21yr old twins
Lamictal, clonopin for me
Lamictal, abilify, clonopin for Kathy and Susie
Married to Dh Brian Sr. 29yrs
DS Brian Jr. 27yrs
Living in New Jersey hoping to move some day
--I have to say how much I admire you. I have BP and know what I go through dealing with a normal moody 16 year old. I don't know if I would have the strength to pull them up when I was down and vice versa. The good thing is my 16 year old understands I can't help it and tries to step in and pull more around the house. More responsibility then I think she should for her age. So I admire you and wish you the best of strength, love and understanding.
Amy Tressler
Amy,
I know that you feel as if your 16 year old shouldn't have to step up for you. After all we are the parent, right? We are supposed to be strong for them. But you know what I discovered? My girls are much more loving and understanding then most kids their age. Just like you understand how your daughter feels she understands you too. I am sure that it makes her feel good that she can help you. Much more then you know.
Our daughters will grown into very strong, loving and beautiful woman. Just watch!!!
--
Roberta Teen4 co- moderator with Janice, Chat Team Leader, Family Response Team, BringChange2Mind volunteer
Mom to Kathy and Susie 21yr old twins
Lamictal, clonopin for me
Lamictal, abilify, clonopin for Kathy and Susie
Married to Dh Brian Sr. 29yrs
DS Brian Jr. 27yrs
Living in New Jersey hoping to move some day
I think that shows a level of maturity that is lacking in many 16 y.o.'s. At least your dd will be able to take care of her basic needs (cooking, laundry, shopping, cleaning, etc) when she leaves home. She is also learning empathy, which is a great thing for anyone to have.
--
Brenda,50, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer
Mom to A, 15 1/2, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel
E, 14, BP,AS, hypothyroidism: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, levothyroxin, inositol
B, 12 1/2 & H, 10
Married 17 years to DH, 49
FROM CABF: Do not start, stop, or change medications or other treatments 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.
--
I certainly understand where you are coming from! I was diagnosed when I was 29 with bipolar disorder. I wish I knew then what I know now. I know I was impacted as a teen, and as a young adult. I was treated by several psychiatrists and for some reason bipolar disorder never came up. Most put me on antidepressants and that was probably the worst thing that they could have done. I have regret and anger that my life could have been different if only someone would have diagnosed it before.
Now I have a 14 year old son who is being treated. It is hard to find a doctor that will treat bipolar disorder in children. I feel at times I know more than the doctor just because I have gone through it. Finally, after insisting that he be put on a mood stabilizer, someone listened. He has only been on the medication for a few weeks, but already we have noticed a difference. If I had to look on the bright side, I would say that by having bipolar disorder, I was able to help my child. He didn’t have to wait until he was an adult like I did.
CampMom