Alternative Health Care for Bipolar Child

I highly recommend homeopathy and anthroposophical medicine. Dr. Daniel Brousseau is an M.D. but then received extra training in these alternative medicines. He is a kind, experienced family practitioner. He is at ###-###-#### in Pasadena. The website is http://____@____.com can learn more about anthroposophical medicine on the website. I have no association with Dr. Brousseau other than that my family has used him to great success. He successfully treated a thyroid goiter I had and I avoided surgery. My heart goes out to you and your family.

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Can a child that young be diagnosed as bi-polar? If you are looking for alternative therapies, you might try Dr. Michelle Cohen in Manhattan Beach. She is a chiropractor by profession, but also does holistic healing. http://www.illuminahealing.com Maybe she can give you some other ideas? I would also suggest talk therapy for all of you. I'm sure you need all the support you can get.

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Is he in therapy in addition to taking the meds? My first thought is Child Directed Play Therapy. I don't know of a good therapist in Simi Valley but I would check out this modality on-line in your area. All the best to you and your family!

J.

M.,

Definetely try other meds if these aren't seeming to help. I have gone through about 8 different meds over years and still haven't found the right combo. If you don't feel like your psychiatrist is doing a good job, switch. Look for counseling, support groups (I have one in ventura) and all the information you can get.

I am a bit worried about the seroquel. I was given samples of that for problems sleeping (along with the Bipolar II) and after I researched it and tried it a couple times I rejected it. It made me feel like a zombie the next day and there were some intense possible health side affects. Reasearch all meds offered to your stepson and if the side effects are too much call your psych. and talk about changing.

There are also support groups both physically and online for families of those living with bipolar. The one I go to in Ventura has a few family members trying to understand and talk with others with Bipolar.

I am also trying to find a better diet and supplements that might help me. Omega 3's and low sugar diet has helped me the best so far. I tried cutting sugar out of diet completely but if I even a bit of it I would hit the roof. I keep it just a low sugar diet so I don't have such a dramatic reaction.

A lot of love and patience is needed. If you ever need to talk feel free to contact me.

Evelyn

The body, child or adult, can deal with anything more effectively when it is well nourished with the proper vitamins, minerals and nutrients. I have been working with families and their kids who have been "labeled" and on meds for quite some time now. My nutritional cleansing program has been very successful.

Dr John Gray (author of Men ad From Mars Women are From Venus) hpersoanlly uses and recomends these products as well. He has done studies with this program on "diagnosed kids" and has had HUGE success.

If you want more info, please contact me at ____@____.com. I can help, you just have to ask.

Do you feel that his current meds are working? Make sure you run anything holistic past your doctor so he knows what you're doing. Vitamins, herbs are not truly monitored by the government so mixing them with some medicines is not a good thing to do. They don't have the same expectations to meet as FDA-approved medicines. They may not always be the same exact dosage. There may be some variability in the ingredients. Do A LOT of research before embarking on an alternative method. Keep your doctor in the loop!!! Your son needs to learn how to manage his anger better, which is not an easy skill. I had a student who was bipolar who learned that he could rub certain parts on his body (ears, web of the hand, etc) to help alleviate his stress. The best methods of treatment usually pair medication with counseling for the behaviors. He needs to learn how to act or respond in appropriate ways. What about yoga or martial arts? This is not easy, but talk to your doctor about his current meds, the counseling piece of the treatment plan and your desire to find some alternative methods to help you son.

My heart goes out to you. It sounds like possibly his medication needs to be adjusted or changed. I'm not sure if he can go to anger management classes when he is on a "good" day. I am not certain, but would exercise help for him? Maybe a gym membership or basketball hoop in the driveway? It must be very scary for the other children to witness his episodes. My ex-brother-in-law has paranoid schizophrenia and he has his bouts of ups and downs, depending on if he even takes his medication. There might be a support group the rest of the family can go to as well. Does he see a therapist at all, as in a counselor for behavior therapy? Good luck, I wish I knew more.

some thoughts: first of all, i am so sorry you are going through this. that sounds hard and scary. i would definitely check out alternative ideas as they are often known to help with situations like this. some ideas would be to get an appt with dr lauren feder -- a very good holistic pediatrician in the area. also, there is a great mft counselor named diane reynolds in santa monica who i bet would definitely be able to help. (on 30th street). it is so important that you get him and yourselves help as this can take a huge toll on the family, not to mention if he is that violent he could later be dangerous to friends (as has already happened), girlfriends, strangers, and society.

Hi, M..
I think that you're on the right track with regards to your son's diet. I know it's difficult and expensive, but maybe trying to limit one food at a time would be easier. It might take awhile to see any difference, but I have found success in limiting (not cutting out altogether) sugar in my 8 year old son's diet. But this is not the reason for my response!
Reading that you live in Agoura Hills, as I do, I'm wondering if your son's school is supportive and involved. Obviously, even the greatest school won't cure your son's illness- but having a strong, consistent support system for your son and your family is so important.
This year, a new elementary school opened in the Las Virgenes District, it's called the Las Virgenes Community Learning Center. My son is a student there. The school is kind of like a charter school (but it isn't) in that it has a philosphy that is more progressive than the other schools in the district. The school's philosophy is based on non-violent communication and focuses on each child's individual personality and learning style. We also have a lower child to teacher ratio and an incredible staff and team of mental heath specialists. Most schools in the district have a school counselor on campus no more than 3 days a week- we have a full time counselor and a full time psychologist at school. The school has a web site where you can read all about it, it's: http://www.heartineducation.com/lvclc/index.html

LVCLC is not a charter school or a school that is only for kids with special needs, but a place that focuses on meeting the different needs of all children. Also, it's the first school that my son LOVES to go to! The school does require parent participation, many parents volunteer to work in their child's classroom but there are other opportunities if you work during school hours or are not comfortable working in the class.
I probably sound like an advertisement, but I promise that I'm not an employee or anything like that! Just a parent that wishes all kids would have the opportunity to experience learning in such a postive environment.
Good Luck and feel free to respond to my message if you have any questions.
~K. B.

you need to talk to Jem Welsh, a nutiritonist and biochemist. he knows and has fixed these problems with nutrition and alternative medicine. you can email him at ____@____.com him i sent you. B. Lauren, expectingfitness
____@____.com

Hi Mary-
My heart goes out to and your family. The trail and error must take a toll on you and your husband. I personally have not experienced what you have been going through. However, I may have some inforamtion that may help you. I just found this wonderful product that is fairly new. My husband and I have started taking it, and feel so much better. I have some information on this reagrding an Autistic child and his story. Even though your son is bipolar it may help you.
One Mothers story about her Autistic son and MonaVie
Published by bobcoan at 10:52 am under Health Benefits, monavie

Hi I have a nine year old autistic son that has been taking Monavie for a month now. I can’t believe the results that we have had in just this short of time. He is now using discriptive words something he has never done .We are actually having some real conversations now!!! He seems so much happier and peaceful he can actually concentrate and sit still for more than a few seconds! He is also sleeping something he has never done from the time he was born. He averages about 5 to 6 hours a night if I’m lucky but since taking Monavie he actually has slept for 12 hours one night. I awoke and was scared out of my mind I immediately thought something was wrong with him!!! I have now begun to write in a journal so I can keep up with his progress. Everday is now filled with hope and excitement he does or says something new everday. It is almost like having a baby that is beginning to talk. He did not talk until he was almost five so this is very exciting for us . This product is the miracle the we have been praying for. I can’t wait for what the future now holds for him and others who have been diagnosed with such a heartbreaking illness. I hope now that I can help other families who are going through this horrible nightmare!!!!!

Also, some have said bipolar is kinda like depression, where they have their highs and lows.
Is MonaVie a Cure for Depression?
Published by bobcoan under Health Benefits

According to Doctor Hugo Rodier, Medical Professor at the University of Utah, Depression will be the second most common diagnosis for Americans by the year 2020. Rodier claims that good nutrition is essential in maintaining proper balance of brain function and helps to reduce risk of emotional problems.

What causes depression?
Depression is caused by a “toiling” of the brain. TOIL is an acronym referring to brain becoming toxic, oxidized, inflamed and lacking in energy. The toiling of the brain causes poor metabolism and energy processing forcing the brain not to function properly. Toiling is made worse by a poorly functioning immune system caused by poor diets. The immune system contains a majority of the bodies neurotransmitters and it is essential to have a healthy diet to allow our intestines to absorb nutrients that will reduce inflammation. Continue Reading »

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Lots of luck to you!

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I would look into Omega 3s and zinc supplements. My daughter has behavioral issues, and is approaching puberty, so we are also trying to get things under control before it gets worse. Our homeopath is adamant about good oils and zinc for brain development. A therapist mentioned the same regimen. My daughter is also gluten-intolerant, as well as cow-dairy- sensitive and egg- and soy- sensitive. We do our best to limit these foods, but boy, is it hard! She also gets chiropractic adjustments from time to time, but I'm not sure of the exact benefit for her, besides pain relief.

All this would help your 11 yo as well!

Hi, M.,

I recommend looking up a licensed therapist that specializes in "neurofeedback therapy".

Sincerely,
S. M. Wolf, M.A.
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist