What Children Want to Know About A Parent With Bipolar Disorder

The questions children may have, when they have a parent with Bipolar Disorder can vary with circumstances. There is nothing wrong with educating children about what is wrong with their mom or dad, when it comes to Bipolar Disorder or other mental illnesses.

I came across this site that has valuable information, in particular for talking with children about their parent with Bipolar Disorder. A little education can go a long way for children, who just don't know what to think of the parent's odd behaviors.

When a parent has bipolar disorder... What kids want to know

It was a profound revelation for me to read this article, noting that only 1 in 10 children with a parent that has Bipolar Disorder will also have it. 9 out of 10 children will not develop it. This is a relief for me as a parent with Bipolar Disorder, because the fear I have of my children developing this horrible nightmarish disorder, overwhelms me. Although I feel far from secure about these findings, it does help to subside the intensity of my fear for my children.

Jack in the box photo via http://dc.about.com/od/christmasphotos/ss/ColumbiaLights_8.htm

Depression Hurts

Depression sure does hurt, every part of your body and mind. I've been spiraling down hill for a couple of weeks. Of course, I am attributing the depression to family issues, and having been sick and nauseous for a few weeks. Last week they did an ultrasound of my abdomen. I was told by the technician, that the doctor would be sent a full review in about a week. He was kind enough to at least say, that there was nothing of an emergency found. Phhhh...but I still have to hear from my doctor to see if anything was found. If he says that it is nothing, then why the hell am I having all of these symptoms? And why has it continued for three weeks?

If this is all psychological, than I am weak. The depression is subtle, but right there. I want to sleep more often, all day I'm fatigued, the thought of food makes me sick, and I've become disinterested in socialization. It really sucks feeling this way. I know boo..hooo.... me. I am still functioning, and I try to stay positive. This is the reason I can come here and unload. I am sure that others will agree if you've ever been really south of the bipolar scale, that it is the worst feeling ever!

Bipolar Parent

It is tough being a parent period. When you are a parent with Bipolar Disorder things can become tougher. There are days when I can do it all and then there are days when I can do nothing at all. Having mild mania is really nice because you can accomplish so many things you can not accomplish while you are depressed. However, the higher level's of mania can result in damage to self, family, and friends.

Before my diagnosis, I thought that everyone else was the root cause of all my emotional turmoil and madness. I would call the overwhelming stress a mental brake down. Which is something that also requires medical attention, which I did not do. Usually after an episode I would feel better the next day or couple of days. Then it seemed to spiral into a hopeless depression. Now that I am aware of my illness and how to maintain it I am better able to recognize the difference between stable and unstable. I take my medications everyday, knowing that what I have can be manage through them. I didn't deserve the disorder, it wasn't my fault, and there is no cure. I must see my psychiatrist regularly, my therapist, exercise, eat right, stay away from caffeine and sugar (very hard to do), and monitor my moods.

My children come first, which means that if I am sick I must rely on the help of others for their sake. It is not always easy to let others come into your world. Often times they are ignorant of the disorder, blame you for making their life harder, and tell others about your personal medical condition...among other things. I used to let pride get in the way of what was best for my kids. If you are uncomfortable with family help, seek a day care where you can leave your personal reasons private. If I could afford it I would have a nanny, but I have to settle for my family and trust they are understanding. My family tries to understanding and helpful, but unless you walk in the shoes of the sufferer you don't really know the depth of turmoil. If you are a supporter you want to help them, but feel inadequate. This is a normal response supporters have when they love the person, and hate to see them in such a state.

Every little step forward is progress, but no matter how hard you try there can be backsliding. Medications have to be tweeked from time to time when backsliding occurs. Education is essential! Understand the sensitivity of emotions and do what you can to overcome, sometimes it takes awhile. Patience, perseverance, and hope!

Estelle Getty and My Gram

Estelle Getty, best known for her role as Sophia on "The Golden Girls," has died at the age of 84.

I loved to watch the woes of "The Golden Girls", along side my Grandmother, when I was a young teenager. When there are re-runs on, and I have the time, I sit and watch them. I do it just to feel the small reconnection I once shared with my Gram. She died in December 2000. She is missed deeply each day. Sophie was my Grandmother's favorite character.

Thanks Estelle, for the hours of entertainment and the laughs you provided us with, priceless!!

Too Much On Your Plate? Take a Break!

I am trying to do it all even though I am so far behind. I have to stay very organized in order to keep on top of things. The kids are time consuming but I'm glad I get to be with them more. Summer always loads us up with parties and events, which can leave little time for simply doing nothing at all. I did have time to see the movie "Hancock". It was a very good movie, some funny, and some surprises along the way. This one I can hardly wait to get on DVD and watch again. Well after a long weekend of strenuous, back braking work... I deserved a break to do nothing and watch a movie, catch up on emails, and get some extra writing accomplished, oh and I can't forget I read my second Steven King Novel.

It sounds funny, but I've always considered him kooky, still do. I couldn't imagine having such twisted thoughts, but I had only watched the movie "Kujo" and was scared out of my mind through too much of it. I was turned off, but after reading "The Dark Half", and "The Langoliers", I am convinced he is a very good writer. I had some trouble getting through the first few pages, I was too distracted by a coincidence. The main character's last name is the exact name of a couple of my main characters in my second book. I chose it because it is a surname that is in the family. "Beaumont" At least the first names weren't the same. Right now I am still debating on whether or not to change it or leave it. I've become attached to it after writing seven chapters. Grrrrr...lol. His was written in 1989, so I should be fine with whatever I choose!!