Bipolar Support Group

Good morning, and Happy Thanksgiving.

I'm at my Mom's this weekend with my 5 year old son. I see him every other weekend and I truly enjoy being with him as much as possible. I have had trouble taking care of him in the past due to my bouts of depression, but miss him so much and am working hard and pushing through in order to spend time with him.

Today we are going to my aunt's and uncle's house for our Thanksgiving meal, to see my Mom's family. I am very, very stressed about having to follow him around, watch his every move, make sure he's not touching something he shouldn't, bothering others, sticking his fingers in the food, trying to eat something....(and then putting it back IN THE DISH when he doesn't like it), etc., etc., etc.

It is causing me a bit of panic, and even causing my IBS pains in my upper belly to flair.

I hate this, I hate this, I hate this!! Why am I like this?! Why can't I just enjoy the holiday with my family?! With my son?! Just chill???!!!???

Please help!!

zeetie calm down honey. 5 year olds do those things at that age and I can understand why it is causing you anxiety. Is it possible that you talk with him about being on his best behavior and then offering him a reward at the end of the day? What about taking some of his favorite toys to distract him? Are there other kids going to be there for him to play with? I am sure it will all go much better than what you are anticipating as we seem to always expect the worst. I am sure your son will be just fine and the adults will look over his 5 year old antics as just that- antics. May you have a blessed day and let us know how it turns out.

You are such a dear, April. You say it all so perfectly! If I could just get it through my thick skull.

Thanks for the encouragement and I hope your Thanksgiving is wonderful!

Remember April: This is the one day of the year giving someone the bird can be considered a GOOD thing!

And zeetie, in 20 years his 'misbehavior' will be viewed as 'Antics' and be "Precious Memories" that bring laughter to you.

Post edited by: cptblack, at: 11/25/2010 07:14 AM

ROFLMFAO!

And I'm slipping Prozac in the turkey stuffing for the family feast. I WILL HAVE A PEACEFUL THANKSGIVNG-AFTER-THANKSGIVING Feast at the inlaws!

Kids will be kids. I do know what you are talking about though. I do the same exact thing. I remember when my son was a small child. I was afraid to take him anywhere because I was so stressed out the whole time I was anywhere watching his every move that I did not have a fun time at all. I could not relax and enjoy myself for the life of me. Of course, I was undiagnosed then, but with kids to this day, I am still a nervous wreck with taking them anywhere. Especially my nieces of one of my sisters. They are awful, bouncing off the walls and such. I'm always afraid they will break something. Just try to relax. I hope there will be some other kids there to entertain him and be sure to bring some toys. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

I feel the same way. I'm cycling again and haven't been able to leave a spot on my couch or be around my 7 yr old daughter for more than a few minutes (never know what I'll say when I'm like this) in weeks and now somehow I have to go out, manage my daughter, manage myself and look happy and don't forget to bring dessert! I had thought I was getting stable again but last night my 19 yr old daughter ditched on coming with us today because she got in trouble for breaking our rules. I spent the rest of last night in a mixed state anxiety attack being alternativly hurt and angry. Now I'm not sure I want to go, my couch corner is looking and feeling pretty good. But how can I disappoint my 7 yr old. God it just never stops.

I just wanted to let you all know that the afternoon went by okay. I survived, as did my son. (WHEW!) Thanks everyone for your help, and hilarity!!

There was one other child there and they had such a wonderful time together, which made me very happy. I enjoyed seeing my family, just wish depression and other anxiety didn't always have to take over to rain on the parade. (Wasn't too bad though)

Thanks again everyone.

Wisty, I'm so sorry that you are having such a difficult time, and I hope that you decided to go out despite everything inside you holding you back.

Let us know how the day went.