Parents of Bipolar Children Support Group

Boy this has been such a wild ride and I finally got an answer, but have so many questions because I don't know anything about bi-polar, except for my son's major major meltdowns that sometimes last seconds or can go on all day long. I'm a single mother, and I have no involvement with my son's father, I work full-time, have a family member watch my son while I work because I have tried babysitter and they quit on me after about 1 week with my son. My son is almost 10 years old and I have been fighting with so many people on getting the help he needs.

He has been diagnosed as PDD/NOS, ODD, OCD, Aniexty Disorder, Sensory Disorder, has had so many meds and so many problems with meds. I have tried Depakote and he was hospitalized for 1 week with high ammonia levels from his liver. Resperdal gave him ticks (which he still has and was told probably always will have them)u. I'm just trying to find out what meds other peoples kids are on and if you have had any problems with medications. My son was finally just diagnosed bi-polar after 5 years of trial and errors and I'm hoping that I can finally get him stable enough so he can go back to school and get out of the psych wards that he has been in. I would love to hear from anyone on how you deal with the meltdowns and if you have read any books on the subject that you found helpful.

Thanks

Ann (The mother pulling her hair out)

Welcome to your lifeboat!

I am a single parent too. I have 20 yr old boy/girl twins.

2 good books to start with. The Bipolar Child and The Explosive Child.

It may take a while to get the right "cocktail" of meds. And don't be surprised if things fall apart again when he hits those lovely teen years!

You found a wonderful source of support here. This is a safe place to vent and even maybe brag once in a while.

Be sure you take time for yourself. This may seem impossible, but if you don't take time to recharge your batteries, you won't be of any use to your son.

lillipets is right-about all of it, but mostly the "lifeboat" part!! My daughter is 18 and just moved out-but I have been fighting with dr's and therapists since she was about 10, and when she was 17, we finally got the right meds. Her problem now however, is being med compliant-which I'm told is common with BP.

The parents on this site have literally carried me through the darkest, lowest times with M over the course of the last 6 months or so....hopefully you will be able to get what YOU need here as well.

Keep coming back, reading posts, learning what you can, read the books, but most importantly--dont lose yourself in all of this. You have to make time for yourself everyday-even if only a few minutes-you'll be surprised what a difference those few minutes will make!

Good Luck-and remember that you are NOT alone!

I feel for you hun, but this place is awesome..My daughter is 13 with rapid cycle bipolar 1 disorder..I understand the 'wild rollercoaster".I am worn out myself..I have mild bipolar but not nearly as strong as her's. We tend to trigger one another at times. Just yesterday i literally had to physically contain her from slicing her wrists with a plastic hanger. she ripped the cushion off of the sofa! (yes I know ) she literally started grwoling and banging her head. it was nightmare. for awhile she was so much better, but she feels so low about herself now. her abilify has caused her a lot of weight gain. I am now definitely keeping all meds locked up. she took 5 of my valerian root (snuck them) and went for a whole hand ful of abilify, but I stopped her..ihad them in a drawer i thought she didn't realize they were in ..in my room, but i never let my 13 yr old out of my sight basically! Everyone will help you here and it is a hard go of things..my dauhgter is just at the age to exhibit terrible symptoms..I hope we can get the right meds soon! take care and God bless you dear, cc

My daughter took 14 albilify and 12 trazadone she had stashed from cheeking them.I have to keep all knifes and meds in safe.I give her meds even now she was 19 last week.She was sticking them in her purse last winter not taking then.

She gained weight on Albilify but on Invega she gained 30lbs in 2 months it worked at first stopped so now we are on new cocktails we keep trying until we find what works for her and what has the least side effects to function.

Good Luck