What problems were you facing with your bipolar child?
I was facing rages, non-compliance with taking meds, holes in the walls, school refusal etc. With three children with bipolar I was getting so burned out I spent most of my time crying, feeling frustrated, and just not knowing what to do. I felt like I was losing the battle. I was tired!
What was the best advice you got?
The best advice that I got from friends who had been dealing with a bipolar child was to take care of me. If we don't take care of ourselves, we aren't going to have the energy to take care of our child. I also have bipolar and three children with bipolar, so it is important to take care of me and take some space when I need to.
Advice
- I learned to take a lot of hot showers at strange times of the day/night. It may not seem like this is taking care of myself, but I got involved with an organization, Empower Colorado, and we support parents of children with brain differences. I facilitate a support group and am very involved in our local mental health center. I also teacher a class called Empowering Parents Through the Diagnostic Journey. I'm not going to get away from mental health, but learning all I can and feeling like I'm helping others does feel like I am taking care of myself. Dinner out with a friend is nice too.
Was it difficult to make use of the advice you got?
Yes it was. Having bipolar myself and spending many years hypomanic I always thought I could do anything and everything. But I finally hit a stage where I was really getting burned out and had to start doing something for me.
What long-term impact did using the advice have?
I am much happier today. I still have many struggles with my kids, but I am dealing with it better because I am taking better care of myself.
What advice do you have for parents of bipolar kids?
Spend at least a couple hours a week for yourself. And pick your battles or everything will be a battle.
