Bipolar in the family Support Group

Hi everyone, I am new to learning about BP my 13 yr old daughter was recently diagnosed and has begun the meds. What I don't understand from reading different stories is why people are not stabilzed with the medication. Can a BP person live a normal life if they continue to take meds or do you still have the "cycling" going on even with the meds?? I am reading every bit of information I can get my hands on right now. If anyone has any tips, please let me know... It is really tough right now but I am hoping the meds will kick in soon and do the trick..

Maureen

Hello Maureen.

I have to say that this is kind of new for me also but I know some things about it and they are:

1) The meds will stabilize her but it won't be overnight. Be patient.

2) Once she is out of the manic state make her aware about the danger of the manic state and the depressive one as well. Make her KNOW that she must trust you because you love her.

3) Sometimes some seasons or places can trigger back some episodes but if you detect the arrival of one of those you can prevent them by altering the meds. Be sure to check with the Doctors what you or even your daughter should do in case of an unbalance.

4) Keep alcohol and drugs as locked as if the were loaded guns. Some people who suffer BP actually ENJOY being in a manic state, some will even try to find ways to bring it upon. Be sure your girl don't find ways to the latter kind.

5)Have Help! I know that some people are in disbelief about what this is and would rather not think about it but don't hide the fact that she has a condition. Worse than have people concerned would be to have people thinking what they should NOT about your girl. Become friends with people who have BP loved ones and become one of many who know what to do.

But don't be afraid , chances are she can be one of those who are aware that they have a condition and decide to care for herself and have a wonderful, successful life. There are a LOT of Bipolar people that you know nothing about because they manage to keep it that way. Your daughter, given the wrong circumstances, could relapse but you can teach her to help you if that ever happens again. My best wishes are with you. Keep searching for answers and you'll get them all!

Hugs.

yes, Bp people can become stable/normal. we know several people in our local peer-run support group, business owners, teachers, professionals etc who are all Bp and many of them have stable lives. the meds are tricky sometimes, we found many were given that didn't work or made things worse. we found for my wife lithium worked and she is a successful mother and has a great life. i come on here mostly to encourage others, especially those just starting to learn as i know it is pretty scary and overwhelming.

for your daughter, look up "crazy for life" (victoria maxwell.com) for a start, perhaps it will be of some encouragement for her and you. there is alot of help/info available online.

Thanks to both of you, I appreciate your information!

Maureen

Hi! I'm pretty new here too. I have a hubby and step daughter with BP. She was about the same age as your daughter when we got the diagnosis. For her, the first meds tried were amazingly the right combo. Hubby, however went through quite a few before the right combo was found. There are so many meds out there that it can often take some time , changes and adjustment to dose, etc.

Stay in open communication with her doc, let him/her know what symptoms are better, which are worse so they can tweak the meds if neccesary. Keep track of side effects too. A med may be working, but you may find that an after effect of it is not acceptable so it is important to voice any concerns with the doc. On med had hubby gaining weight rapidly, but with the history of diabetes in the family, it was not acceptable to the doc either.

The toughest part of having a teenage girl with BP was trying to figure out was was actually resulting from BP or just normal teenage behavior...that was quite the challenge!

READ...alot. learn everything you can. One book I loved was "Loving Someone with Bipolar" There are a lot of charts and exercises in there you can do alone or with your daughter if she is open to it.