Hello, I'm a mother of two wonderful kids, boy-12 and girl-14 with bi-polar. I'm having a interesting time with this issue for about 5 months, but I felt since she was around 11-12years of age, that she had some kind of issues going on, but didn't know it was bi-polar. My daughter is also a cutter, and she was doing very well until this past Thurday, she began cutting again after not doing this for over a month. I just want to relate with someone else, if there is anyone else who is going through this same ordeal, please post me Thanks Elisa

I don't have any advice about these situations, but just wanted to say I hope you and your daughter find the help she needs-- that must be really hard. It seems that the relaxation adn thought replacing skill sin the program would help her if you can pass them along. God bless you, your daughter is lucky to have mom who cares.

I have a mom and an aunt with bipolar. Neither was diagnoised until they were adults. I wish I could offer you some advice but I'm still trying to understand my mom's condition. God bless.

I want to thank you both for posting mintflower, and ladyleo
It really means more than you think. Sorry about your mom and aunt with bi-polar ladyleo, but there is a lot of books out there, and info. on the internet that teaches how to live with people who has bipolar. The book my hubby is reading is called children with bipolar, but I know there is others. I wish I knew how to put internet sites on this forum, I see other people put address on, and I've been able to go to that site they recommended, but I'm not that talented. Good Luck, and God Bless you both also Elisa

Oriedog, I hope I spelled that correctly It was nice chatting with you on chat, but this place is eaiser for me, so talk to me any time here How long have you known about your sons illness, me I thinks I've known for about two years ago, but we were diagnosed Sept., and she's been cutting since june. I had a brother who committed suicide, so I have a lot of anxiety about this issue. Thanks for chatting Have a good day! Elisa

hi elisa its me odiedog im trying to go on the forum but i cant i hpoe you can help me to understand my child or what is he going true

its been 6 months already and he taking so many pills that its not funny I dont know what to do anymore and in top of this im getting panic attack i really dont know what to do anymore and all my family think that im a bad mother because he was at the hospital for 2 months

My daughter was in the hospital also, and that was a good thing, because she got the attention she needed there, and I'm glad there are places like that for situations like ours. I don't understand my child, but I'm trying, because I want the best for her. Since she is older, she a bit wiser, and knows that she needs to take her meds. and be honest with her therapist. I'll be glad to chat here on this forum. I have a reading disability, so this pace is better for me. I'll have you and your family in my prayers Take care, Elisa

thanks for your prayers im glad to know that im not the only person thats dealing with the same problem and thanks for having this forum.Iknow its not easy for you either,but i promess you that i will prayed for you and your family

Keep in touch, and together maybe we'll find an answer?(we could try) Today is a good day! I'm glad that we chatted. God Bless Elisa

im glad we chatted too and yeah why not we could keep in touch

Hello Odiedog I was just wondering how the rest of your day went yesterday, and how are you today? Take care, Elisa

I do not have a child with bp but I am. You and your family will be in my prayers! This cutting with these kids is getting pretty bad...many kids have started doing it. I guess it is the same as me abusing alcohol, pills, acid, and binging & purging as a teen and adult. Is your daughter on meds? Being a teenager is hard enougher but adding bp to it is adding soo much more to her plate. I am 28 years old and I still feel like my world is spinning out of control sometimes, but my meds help me realize that its not. She will ultimalely be okay. God Bless you!

Hi-
I just wanted to let you know that our neighbors across the street have 2 teenage daughters. Their youngest who is now 13, has bipolar disorder. She was diagnosed about 3 or 4 years ago, though her mother noticed certain things at an early age (around when she was about 4 yrs old). Their daughter had a really bad temper. She'd go into rages and often cry for no reason. She was also very clingy and fearful of the world. Lots of mood swings.
When their daughter was finally diagnosed a few years ago- they started the journey of finding help for her so that she could live a healthy and productive life. It was quite a journey. They had lots of struggle getting through at times. It took a toll on the whole family. Their was lots of worry and fear and stress. Their daughter just wanted to be "normal" and happy like her sister and the parents wanted to be able to take it all away and "save" their daughter from the emotional pain. They felt so helpless- and I often saw it on her mother's face.
Anyway- for the past year.... WOW..... what a turnaround. Their daughter is doing so much better. She's at a very good place. They found her a very good therapist (after going through about 5 of them) that she enjoy's meeting with once a month. She had meetings with her once a week for quite some time- then bi-weekly and now once a month. She went through and tried several different meds. She finally takes the right combination that works well for her.
The therapist has told them a few times that bp disorder isn't all that different from someone who has depression and anxiety disorder.
She says it's just the symptoms are kicked up a few extra notches.
Cognitive therapy has been such a big help for their daughter, but she also needs her medication.
From what I've read and understand about bp-
you do need to take meds along with receiving good cognitive, behavioral therapy- however I'm no doctor so that's something for you to dicsuss with your child's doctor and figure out.
I do know for our neighbor's daughter that meds and therapy are what have brought her peace and success with dealing with and handling bp disorder.
She has her good and bad days she says, but she is able to get through the rough patches so much better. She told me recently that she feels so hopeful and life is good.
I've never seen her smile as much as she does now. Her eyes don't look sad anymore.
I know she's gonna make it through life and be just fine. She's really proactive with her own mental and emotional well being. She practices the cognitive skills neccessary in dealing with bp and she always takes her medication faithfully. She really is doing so well.

You and your daughter will be in my thoughts and prayers- as is everyone on this board who deals with depression and/or anxiety disorder.

I know without a doubt that there is healing out there for your daughter and for each and every one of us. The MWC program is such a great tool. It could be a very helpful addition for your daughter. Your whole family would benefit from the lessons it teaches.

Regardless of the bp disorder- your daughter can most definitely learn to manage it and live a very productive and balanced life.
Have faith always and keep plugging away. You will all find your way through this- just as my neighbors did- and all will be well.

wow Proud Mama your words are so refreshing and really made me feel good. I tuned into this forum because it was thought my daughter was bp. After numerous visits to Dr's (all types) It was decide that she is ADHD with an anxiety component. I do my best to teach her what I have learned through this program, yet there are certain mannerisms she has that I remain concerned with....I should say they also looked at Aspergers. When it comes to the diagnosis of bp in children it is never easy. I will try to locate the information I had to share with the group.

Arlene