My son has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After many years of an ADHD diagnosis, failed parenting classes, and a handful of psychologists, we finally got a diagnosis that made us feel that it wasn't just bad parenting. My son is 9. His mood has always been unpredictable. He is impulsive, aggressive, and emotionally unstable. We have finally put him on a mood stabilizer. Nothing seems to be approved for children under the age of 18, and so this made us very nervous. It has made a world of difference. His behaviors were literally ruining our lives. We have 2 other children as well, and they have just lived in fear of him. He has been moved to a therapeutic day school because his behaviors in his home school were "insane", for lack of a better word. Has anyone gotten a bipolar diagnosis for their child? I want to know what the future holds for him.
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Nicole
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It is important that he sees this as a medical diagnosis, just as any other. As another responder wrote, BiPolar people are famous for rollercoastering with their meds - they take them for a while, feel better, think they are "cured" and stop taking them. Explain to him that people with diabetes take insulin, people with thyroid probelms take synthroid, people with Bi Polar disorder taken (what ever he is on). Try to connect it with people in your family and the meds/conditions they have. He should see this as an illness like anyone else has, not as a curse or a defect. This will give him the confidence that he needs to BELIEVE that he can succeed, with the help of the meds, and that is a big part of any battle. My Brother in Law has the diagnosis, and I am in special education and have taught children with severe emotional disorders. Best of luck to you, your son, and all who love you both.
My children do not have it, however my father does as well as some friends. The BEST thing is to continue treatment and medication. When my father was taking medication his moods were so much more stable, but then he would feel as though he was okay and would stop taking his medication. His cycles would be so much worse off his medicine. Now, my father didn't pursue counseling, like he should have, but having lived with someone with the disorder, I believe both medicine and counseling are key to living with the disorder.
Good for you for getting him the help he needs! It is, unfortunately, one of the few "psychoses" and he will not outgrow it. You are his support to help him manage it. It is possible to live a well-adjusted life, but it takes work.
Good luck to you and your son!
My family has a history of mood disorders, so it was no surprise that I was diagnosed with one during college and then again after giving birth to my first son; who in turn was diagnosed in 2nd grade. Our youngest son was diagnosed with anxiety issues. Unfortunately the area we live in is known for lack of properly diagnosing such disorders and once they do, just rely on the guessing game of medications without providing other resources. We have turned to online resources and have read mounds of books to help us on our journey.
On a positive note, I have always worked full time making decent wages, our boys make friends and we are living a very fulfilling life. It just takes a bit more work some days than others :-)
Your son's future is bright as he has family to guide him along the way!!!
I don't know the answers, but I will keep him in prayer. Prayer changes things. =) I wanted to also add that while I'm not bipolar, I have dealt with depression & am taking an anti-depressant that has totally worked wonders, so I do believe that continued medication could be a huge factor. But as I said before, never underestimate the power of prayer.
Be Blessed,
~M.
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also have you had him tested for heavy metals?
M. I just want to say good for you on seeking help for your child & family. My sister was never diagnosed or dealt with and she is a huge mess today at 38. By dealing with this at a young age, your child has a chance at a normal life. Good luck to you & your family!! Keep up the great work.
D.
My son was diagnosed with bilpolar disorder last year. He is now nineteen, was eighteen. I wish all the brilliant people who saw him through out the years and told me he was stubborn and difficult or lazy and whatever would have helped me when I asked for it. So I am happy you found out now and do not have to deal with another ten years of frustration. He is now working, a happy college student and has a girlfriend. He was in plays in highschool and I am proud that despite us not knowing he courageously handled some of his problems and was able to continue in them in some amazing parts.He was just picked to be in a play in college, now on meds and leading a different life and I want to say this, you have a wonderful future ahead of you! It is your Good Fortune and Gods timing that you found out now. Good luck~!
