Parents of Bipolar Children Support Group

Hello. My name is Erin. My 6 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with early onset bipolar disorder. I cannot even begin to describe the pain and torment that has engulfed both her and I. I am hoping to connect with other families to try to find some comfort.... if thaty even is possible. I am feeling lost and distraught.

Welcome to our community of overwhelmed parents.

You will find people here who know exactly what you are enduring each and every day.

We may not have all the answers, but we try!

And simply knowing you are not alone will help you immensely.

Hi Erin -- welcome to you!

One thing I would suggest is contacting the administration at your daughter's school and find out what kind of resources that they can offer you both. I teach high school kids, so I don't know what kind of programs might be in an elementary school (my daughter was diagnosed at 23), but they should be able to do something to support you and facilitate her learning. It's a starting point...

Post edited by: gardengirl, at: 05/18/2010 05:08 PM

Hi Erin. My 7 year old son was just recently diagnosed as well. I try to spend some time reading older posts, it helped to know there were others out there. Welcome.

Hi Erin, I'm sorry you are going through this. My 9 year old son started showing symptoms that something was wrong at 7 years. Just know that you are not alone. If you want you can check out my blog at: http://mysonhas2brains.blogspot.com/

Also, I hope you stay connected with this forum, it’s a wonderful group of very kind, supportive people who can know your pain like know one else.

Hang in there mama!

My daughter will be 6 in Feb. Her pediatrician mentioned bipolar at her 3 year check up. Although she has not been officially diagnosed yet, it is obvious from what research I've done that she is bipolar. She was prescribed resperidone back in March and that was a huge help. What is different from what I've been reading on here is that she manages to hold herself together in school. And in my town we have full day kindergarten. Her down swings seem to be lasting longer and are more intense so I know if I don't get the next step rolling, it is only a matter of time before school is an issue.

Hi Erin-My daughter started showing signs around 6 or 7, but wasnt diagnosed until she was 15 or 16-actually they diagnosed her with ADHD, anxiety and a sleep disorder when she was 10, but I was honestly still in denial about anything being wrong with her at that point, so I really didnt work with the Dr's as much as against them. Looking back, I wonder what her life might be like if I had been more cooperative with the dr's. Learn what you can about this disorder-books, friends and neighbors, and support groups like this one. Life with her may not always be easy, but it'll always be worth it!

I keep telling M that when she will like me again when she is 25. She assures me that she will NOT. I tell her that maybe I'll like her again when she is 25 then. She tells me I'm not funny and walks away.

Try to find something to laugh at everyday-it will truly be your savior some days!