Is it fair to diagnose a mother who has just lost her five-year old son with bipolar?
338806
well if she's happy one minute and then really depressed the next, then she is bipolar. But I don't think her son's death could be the cause. No, it wasn't fair to diagnose her right after the tragedy though because of course she was going to be depressed!
789442
You have several issues here. #1 if the woman is bipolar, I would strongly recommend seeking a qualified therapist in order for you to learn how to deal with a bipolar personality. \n\nYou are virtually beating your head against a brick wall until you find out "key" ways of understanding this disorder in the first place. \n\n#2 Your husband can stand up to her in the sense that he doesn't have to be a "ball buster" - however, he can choose to not allow this woman access to all knowledge surrounding your marriage - which in your words mentioned were "control of all aspects, time, money, assets, all concerns." People do not know your private affairs until you tell them. This constitutes one or both you and your husband keeping your mouth shut about your personal affairs. \n\nWhat she does with regard to "living day to day" is none of your business. \n\nIt's like you're going in the exit door looking for a way out.\n\nI would strongly recommend not engaging in conversations with the woman and remain silent until she gets the picture that you are not going to interact with her on any level other than issues regarding the child within the visitation schedule. Or, as the father, discuss only points of interest regarding the child, period. And do not get into any depth with this woman within these points of conversation.  \n\nIf it gets to be too much; certainly if she is bipolar she has a therapist in place. Ask that you all get together and with her therapist to learn how to establish boundaries. (if that is possible) \n\nGood luck and I wish you the best. I have had only one conversation with a bipolar individual when she was in an emotional state; and I was wondering how in the hell I was going to get out of this conversation. I've never felt that way before about talking to anyone. Bipolar diagnosed individuals are a different "animal" so to speak. And you truly need professional guidance in order to unlock the doors in thier heads and get through.
558801
Bipolar disorder is _not_ known as maniac disorder, but rather manic depression.\n\nIf he has had problems with overactivity and depression both since the age of 5, it may be that he doesn't have bipolar but rather a combiniation of something like ADHD and depression. Such an early onset is very rare for both depression and bipolar however.\n\nIf he does have bipolar disorder, lithium is probably his best option. Therapies such as CBT can help to an extent, but treating the mania aspect particularly can be difficult.\n\nIf he has depressive disorder, a combination treatment of drugs and cognitive behaviour therapy is likely to work best, based on what studies have found in many, many people suffering from depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tetracyclics are the best/most modern/least side effects.\nLithium isn't very good as far as side effects go. However, it is the best drug treatment out there for bipolar, acting as quite an effective mood stabliser. It does have some nasty side effects however - but it's not too badly tolerated on the whole and is probably better than being manic depressive!\n\nIf he is just depressive, antidepressants these days are very good. I don't know of any long-term problems that persist with taking them and although if you stop taking them, you may go through mild withdrawal, they are not addictive. \nI have a degree in psychology and also suffer from depression myself. At the moment, I am taking a small dose of mirtazapene and have suffered very few side effects from it, which were well tolerated and disappeared within a couple of weeks of taking it.\n\nDon't be scared of taking psychotrophic medication! If it fixes or helps the problem, it's really no different to taking pain killers for a headache or putting a caste on a broken leg. \nDon't worry about the fact that it affects brain chemistry - if your son has depression problems, it will only help to correct them. It won't change who he is at the core but it will help him to better tolerate life.\n\nDepending on his age, it may not be a good idea to put him on antidepressants for a few reasons that you should talk over with your doctor - I suggest seeing a psychiatrist. Don't trust a GP to tell you everything you need to know. You should see a specialist, especially if you don't have the training to know what to do yourself. See a psychiatrist to talk about medication options and a psychologist to talk about behavioural interventions. Behavioural therapy has been showed to be as effective as medication and longer lasting, but better than either therapy or medication on their own is a combination treatment, especially at first!\nAntidepressants can give someone the energy/motivation to work on their therapy. This is an important consideration, especially if your son is sleeping all the time.\n\nYou could also consider bright light therapy - if nothing else, try to get him outdoors for a while in the mornings.\nExercise can also be of benefit. You'll probably have to drag him out, kicking, screaming and crying but if he can get some light to moderate exercise in the sun, it may help his mood a little.
304609
If you go to your doctors {Primary Care Physican} and let Dr. know your concerns thats the first plcae to be evaluated, and the doc can take it from there and either referr you to another kind of Doc or treat you.\nBest Wishes\n\nP.S.\nSince you have recognized possible bipolar please \n"dont let it control you and lean on it as a crutch through life..." \nmeaning dont blame everything on having  B P...\n\nI have a close family member-teenage years-and she tends to act out more than ever and always says I cant help it \nits B.P. \nI suspect she is using it as an excuse to get her way with mommy n daddy,\nshe is now at the dating age and wants to run off with her boyfriend and gets away with it cause she blames it on B.P.\n\nSo please dont let it control you, YOU CONTROL IT!!!
909751
I have bipolar myself so I have some idea of what your going through. what you should do is contact a government agency. I go to a place called MHMR it stands for Mental Health Mental Retardation. They can help you in any way that you need it. They can give you advice on what steps to take with your son. They can set up appointments for your son when he gets out. Just to meet with him and talk with him maybe regulate his meds and see about having him see a therapist on a regular basis. I really hope this helps you out. I really feel for you and the situation your in. Good luck to both you and your son.
184257
Even when genetic, there is no sure proof that you or your siblings will get it as well, there is a certain level of self awareness that bipolar victims don't have, as long as you remain emotionally balanced and maintain high self confidence, I don't see how much of a possibility it would be for you to get it as well.
510465
That's a dang good question. I have never heard of support groups from the childs perspective before. If your local groups cannot put you in touch with any, you may have to form one yourself. Check out this website and talk to these people, they may have good advice for you.\n\nhttp://www.healthyplace.com/communities/bipolar/site/comm_calender.htm
612464
you haven't described anything that sounds like a manic episode to me - bipolar is NOT what most people conceive of as 'mood swings'. You haven't described anything that sounds like mania. It's more than just feeling cheerful - if someone is manic, they will talk a mile a minute and might go and do all sorts of crazy things, assuming that they can do it automatically, like go and gamble away their lifes savings because they're certain they've found a 'code' that will win them millions of dollars, or they'll commit crimes because they don't realise that what they're doing is wrong at the time. And then they come down and often feel really terrible about what's happened. You haven't described anything like that.\n\nIf there has been a tragedy, it is quite normal that you could be having problems .\nReally though, you should seek out professional help. Why delay and be in pain for longer than you need to? As both a mental health professional and a sufferer of depression, I can't recommend going and seeing a psychologist enough!\n\nIf your mum isn't a professional, then she doesn't know what is wrong with you most likely. Only a professional can make any sort of diagnoses, but far more important than a diagnosis is helping you to cope better with life. It doesn't matter what you have a potential diagnosis of really.
1103901
Like all the others that answered yes and gave reason! I agree with all of them!! I have the experience! My boyfriend is bipolar and suffers from depression anxiety, anger,and he also has a sleeping disorder! Me on the other hand haven't been diagnosed for any of that except that i have a mental illness called epilepsy! My son is 2yrs old! Were all healthy and happy!! It just takes support like everyone has said!!! Don't stereotype us!!!
760775
I would suggest looking around for a support group for your friend.  She can tell and re-tell her story until the grief lifts.  Once the grief begins to lift, she will be able to help her son.  \n\nMy brother was a paraphlegic and it took about 5 years until he himself had a life again.  He has a social worker in the rehab center.  The social worker is overworked, so it will help if you get permission from the mother to speak to him/her.  Even just calling once per week to the social worker will get him more attention.
437449
I too suffer from Bipolar disorder and I feel for you right now. I am in the USA and I don't know your rights but, it seems that you should be able to go to court and contest your x. I would call child protective service if I were you to find out if they can help you. You are making great progress. The doctors and social services have often explained bipolar to me as a disease like Diabetes. It is not something you can help, it is an illness. No body should keep your children away from you because, you are ill as long as you don't hurt the children. Good luck!
160747
One of my friend lost her mother few months back.She is just eighteen years old.I worried at the beggining about how to console her because she liked her mother very much that she was almost in a very disturbed state when that incident happened.\nBut when she returned after few days she was completely normal.I was unable to restain myself and i asked her.she said a little story.The story is a man lost his only son and he was crying and crying and a sage noticed his sad state and he asked abt his sorrows and he explained to him\nThe sage said that he will solve his problem and will give rebirth to his son if he brought enough sand from the house where no death occured.He was unable to find such a home and finally he understood the life's fact that nothing is permanent in this world.After she finished telling me this\nI was really proud of my friend and if she can controll her sorrows then why cant u?Happiness lies in ur hands.
793987
Go to the doctor and see if you need to be treated for bipolar disorder.
1021811
http://www.bipolarcentral.com/articles.asp\nhttp://www.bipolar.com/\n** This is very treatable, my Mom had it.. just make sure the person that is diag with this condition is not ashamed, not afraid, and gets support and help. Mental Illness is not taboo like before, tons of people men and women, have DEPRESSION and Mental Illness.. I hope this helps and truly... God Bless. I grew up in a home with this illness before they knew what it was.. So glad times have changed.\n\nArticles/Stories\nClick here for information about republishing.\n\nClick here to learn more about our contributing writers.\n\nFor Those With Bipolar \nFor Those Supporting Someone With Bipolar \nRelationships and Bipolar Disorder \nBipolar (General) \nMental Illness \nHealth and Wellness \nDepression \nMedication \nMoney Management \nLegal Issues \nSocial Security Disability \n Bipolar Stories \nStacey's Corner \nGaylene's Corner \nScott & Lori's Corner \nMichele Soloway's Corner \nConnie's Corner \nMiscellaneous Articles \nWriters Wanted! \n \n\nArticles For Those With Bipolar\nBenefits Of A Home Business For People That Have Bipolar Disorder - 4/21/06 \nHelp Your Doctor Help Treat Your Bipolar Disorder - 4/21/06 \nBipolar Disorder is NO EXCUSE! - 4/20/06 \nHow to Research Medication Quickly and Easily - 1/28/06 \nHoliday Safety And Bipolar Disorder - 12/24/05 \nAdvice For People With Bipolar Disorder: Just Say "No" To Holiday Stress - 12/16/05 \nHow To Avoid Being Alone During The Holidays - 12/13/05 \nAre You Cheap When It Comes to Bipolar Disorder? \nAre You Falling for "Bait"? \nThe Benefits Of Being A Participant In A Bipolar Study And How To Find These Clinical Studies \nBipolar Disorder Self-Care \nBipolar Disorder and Weight Gain \nChange Your Life By Getting Rid Of Negative People \nChildren - Should Bipolar Sufferers Have Them? \nDealing with Bipolar from a Weight Loss Perspective \nDo You Have a Bipolar Spectrum Disorder? \nDoctors That Treat Bipolar Disorder: Is there A Conspiracy? \nEliminating Stress As A Cause Of Episodes \nThe First Step to Successfully Managing Bipolar Disorder \nFour steps to understand and get help for bipolar disorder: \nGoing to Extremes: Bipolar Disorder \nHitting Rock Bottom In Order to Climb Back Up \nThe Holidays \nHow NOT to choose a therapist. \nHow Someone Bipolar Can Go From Being Wealthy To Homeless \nHow To Get the Most Out of Attending A Support Group Meeting \nHow to Locate Local Support Groups and Resources and Avoid the Hidden Dangers You May Experiences \nHow to Protect Yourself in the Age of Managed Care \nI Have Bipolar Disorder---It Doesn't Have Me \nIn Search of the Magic Bullet \nIt's Not A Sprint, It's A Marathon \nLife Events Can Trigger An Episode \nNine Ways To Make the Most of Your Support System \nPlaces You Can Turn \nThe Power of Language with Bipolar Disorder \nProblem Solving Tips for When You Feel Overwhelmed \nSuicide \nTen Mistakes People Who Have Bipolar Disorder Make \nWeeding Out False Friends \nWhy People With Bipolar Disorder Accomplish So Much \nWhy You Need to Take a Notebook to Your Next Doctor's Appointment \nArticles For Those Supporting Someone With Bipolar\nEnsure Success by Involving The Entire Team - 1/17/06 \nA Secret Key to Success With Bipolar Disorder - 1/11/06 \nTips For Holiday Travels For Supporters And Survivors Of Bipolar Disorder - 12/17/05 \nLifelong Supporters: Advice on How to Care for Someone with Bipolar Disorder - 12/16/05 \n10 Mistakes I Made with my Bi-Polar Son and 10 Things I Did Right \nA Perfect Child \nBipolar Disorder and How Supporters Can Help their Loved One While Helping Themselves \nBipolar Kids - It's Different! \nCan Children and Adolescents Have Bipolar Disorder? \nCaring for the Caregiver \nChild and Adolescent Bipolar Disorder: An Update from the National Institute of Mental Health \nDon't Argue With People During an Episode \nDon’t Make Yourself Sick Trying To Help Your Love
1023714
I am a single mother of 3. Ex-husband dead. Problem child of 14 with bipolar. Tell me how you would solve all my troubles. I hate people who think they can fix e verything and have probably never been through anything serious in thier life. My husband abused me, my son continued in his footsteps and has been in the hospital since Jan(bipolar,ODD,ADHD)> Can you solve that??????????????????????????
1137509
I am also bipolar, and very knowledgeable about the illness.. The doctor always knows best but has no real chance of being in a position to help if he has to make guesses at her condition. \nI am thinking that perhaps her bipolar disorder may have morphed into a more serious combination of many different afflictions as a result of her age and the traumatic loss of her life partner..\nFind a way to speak with her doctor or psychiatrist and explain the finer details of her actions.. she may not be honest with him because of the paranoia of how he might try to help.. might be schizophrenia, dementia, post traumatic stress disorder.. or even being bipolar with new tendencies (it gets much worse over time, especially when treatment is abandoned and she stops the meds) \nlook into these possibilities. Doctors know best, always.. but they need your help to be effective, especially in your grandmothers case.. when she isn't being very cooperative and taking a much more proactive approach towards her own wellbeing. She needs her medicine.. and she needs your help to get this under control. It seems that she is in a bad spot with being so mixed up in all of the emotions of what is happening all around her. Powerlessness is a horrible thing.. it seems she desperatly needs a helping hand. \nEducate yourself to whatever the possibilities for her behavior might be in a clinical sense so you can be helpful to the doctors. \nDo your part to get her the help she needs. Good Luck .. :)
819613
If she was requesting child support, or , and I am sorry for your loss, death benefits from Social Security then yes you could make her prove through DNA that he is the father. Otherwise I don't think so, But I could be wrong. Is she someone that you can have an adult conversation with? I mean maybe you or mother in law could talk with her and ask her to stop saying her son and your son are brothers unless she can back it up with DNA test, because she is confusing your son, and probably her son too. Good luck!!