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Gayle - Rhuematoid arthritis, married and stay at home mom - From Canada
9 year old son - PDDNOS and possible ADHD, learning disability NOS
Waiting for neurological assessment.
empower plus, omega 3, Vitamin C, zoloft
He is suspended from the public school system for a year right now. Allowed to go back April 23, 2011. Homeschooling.
Suspension lifted december 2, 2010. YEAHHH Working at intergrating him back into school.
17 year old son
25 year old daughter, married, one daughter

Yes, I think we all have times when we just can't handle it, physically or mentally.  Is your dh understanding and helpful during these times?  Can you afford outside help a few hours a week?

Moms always feel like they have to do all and be all, all the time.  But that's just not possible.  You have to take care of yourself when you are not well.  Hopefully you will be back on your feet soon.

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Brenda,50, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer
Mom to A, 16, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel
E, 15, BP,AS: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol
B, 13 & H, 10
Married 17 years to DH, 50

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.

Thanks, Brenda. I'm reviewing for myself the things I need to do to be well - take meds, effective therapy, limit stressors (the hardest part!!!), consistent and adequate sleep, morning exercise, low glycemic and adequate protein diet. My DH is supportive, bless him. To get myself to stick to my wellness routines, I'm trying to remind myself that I can't take care of anyone else's needs when I'm sick, and my BP son needs me to model and teach him a BP-healthy lifestyle. If he sees me drinking to cope with stress, that's going to lead him down a bad road; if he sees me exercising or gardening to cope with stress, I hope he will learn healthier lessons.

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Psycmom2snk: bipolar II

Husband: ADD inattentive (in denial)

8yo son: autism spectrum, sensory processing disorder (sensory defensive), neurological abnormality, anxiety, enuresis, encopresis, ODD

5yo son: bipolar I, sensory seeker

Hi, everyone! My name is Leela. Long time lurker, first time poster. I want to provide my deepest condolences to you all. Having bipolar disorder is really tough! That hassle becomes even more difficult when you have children. As you, psycmom2snk, mentioned, most parents want to be superman or superwoman. They want to be their child's everything. That said, bipolar parents push their feelings aside. Not only that, they don't want to cause mental problems for their kids. It's awfully complicated situation.

I don't have bipolar disorder, but my best friend Stephanie is a parent with bipolar disorder. She's going through the same type of ordeal as you folks. She plans on moving to Indianapolis in the next few months to look for work, but she needs a place to go to for psychological care. I've looked at Indianapolis mental health services at iuhealth.org so far. Does anyone have additional suggestions? Thanks, all!

 MommyDesi,

You can try the AACAP website's pdoc finder.  You're a good friend to be researching this subject!

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Brenda,51, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer
Mom to A, 17, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel, Allegra
E, 15 1/2, BP,AS: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol, Buspar
B, 14 & H, 11
Married 18 years to DH, 50

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.

 That may be tough.  Any place you call for an appt. is going to ask what your insurance is.  If a sliding scale is needed, then you'll just have to ask up front.  I hope it works out.  Does the child qualify for Medicaid?

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Brenda,51, CABF Parent to Parent Volunteer
Mom to A, 17, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel, Allegra
E, 15 1/2, BP,AS: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol, Buspar
B, 14 & H, 11
Married 18 years to DH, 50

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.

Oh my gosh, I feel the same way sometimes. I just do not want to deal with it at all. I just want to grab the blanket and go to bed. It can be nearly impossible though when your child is ranting or banging on the walls some and you just can't do it. I would love for there to be an easier solution but honestly, my time at work is my only destressor because I know when I get home, its all going to start again and I hate it. I really do.

My 6yr old was just diagnosed bipolar, and I am bipolar as well ( mixed). I feel so guilty and at times cannot deal very well. My town has a place you can nleave your kids to play for up to 3 days, no questions asked. I have NOT done this because I wanted to see what others think of this. Any feed back would be appreciated as I can so relate to all of you!

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Tiffany Marler

Tiffany,

That sounds like the ultimate respite for us parents, but who runs it?  Is it equipped to deal with kids with BP or other disabilities?  Who pays for it?

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Brenda,51, TCBM Parent to Parent Volunteer
Mom to A, 17, BP, Tourette's, OCD, ADHD: Eskalith CR, Trilafon, Lamictal, Seroquel, Cytomel, Allegra
E, 15 1/2, BP,AS: Seroquel, Eskalith CR, inositol, Buspar
B, 14 & H, 11
Married 18 years to DH, 50

FROM TCBM: 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.

Yes everybody says...take care of yourself.....I guess I am fortunate because I'm divorced I often get to have 4 days free a month. Maybe an extra day or two to recover from a rage by my son that almost drove me to call the police. But otherwise it's 24 hours of work, housework, trying to keep babysitters, managing a bp+ kid and a teen who is sick of this crazy chaotic life with her brother and exhausted and grumpy mom.

Just wish this would get more sane.