Adult child of BP father - it hurts!

I first would like to say I can't believe it took me this long (I'm 30) to seek a support group for adult children of bipolar parents.

I really, really hope someone can help me understand what I'm going through.

My father is BP and we are estranged. I don't see or speak to him anymore. I have been dealing with extreme anxiety and depression lately (have had psychiatric assessment and I haven't inherited bipolar) and I feel like I'm dealing with the fallout of being raised in a bipolar household.

Basically I'd like to know if other children of bipolar parents have also experienced:

- depression (not extreme like bipolar depression, just 'regular' depression)

- anxiety attacks

- extreme fatigue

- feeling numb, empty of emotions and feelings of connection to others

- difficulty feeling love for SO

These are the things I've been suffering. I wonder if 25+ years in a bipolar household makes us candidates for PTSD?

How do I get better?

Thanks for reading

I know how you're feeling.

I read a couple books lately that helped me with this.

One was Dr. Laura's Stop-Whining and Start Living. I can assure you it isn't as insensitive as it sounds it's full of heartwarming stories.

Also I just read "A new earth" by Eckart Tolle.

I would recommend both and I want to purchase another book The Power of Now by Eckart Tolle.

It helps you to gain perspective of your life and helps you control the negative thoughts. If you can control those it will be a big step to feeling better.

I know for me some of it isn't a thought but a feeling. Sometimes I feel like my insides are just shaking like a trembling puppy that's been traumatized.

I really think it's good that you are in therapy.

I need to go myself.

I haven't been on here for a few months, I just needed to get away and have some time to think about everything that has happened to me. But when I read your entry I just had to write to you. I am the adult daughter of a bipolar father, and also alcoholic who died about a year ago and disinherited me from his ten million dollar estate. I only mention the money so anyone reading this can understand the magnatude of the devastation that my father was capable of. I was estranged from him for most of my life, but when he had several heart attacks, and lost kidney function and had many other health issues, I was always there for him, etc. I did the best with him that I could under very difficult situations. He was extremely hurtful and hateful to me, and yes, I did suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome and maybe still do to some degree. I have had depression for years, I sleep a lot, and have trouble trusting people who say they love me. I have a hard time really believing that it's true, I just don't really feel worth it. I know in my head that they do love me, but on some level, I still don't understand how they could. I have managed to have a good life, and I do feel truly blessed and know that God is looking after me, but every day is somewhat of a struggle as I try to continue to look for the good in everything and to be the best person that I know I can be. You are definitely not alone, you didn't do anything wrong, and you are a very special and wonderful person in your own right. Don't let someone else's disease or disorder define who you are. You are a separate and unique person who deserves to be happy. God Bless!

I think you will find the list of issues you are asking about are comon to the loved ones of a person with bipolar. Relationships are hard, but not impossible.

Suggestions on how to deal with it... Get your self a therapist, they will help you understand what you are going through as well as learn some coping methods that will work for you. Learn as much as you can about bipolar.

You are not alone, we are here for you.

Looking forward to talking to you in the posts.

GOD BLESS

RED