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Families of Depressed & Bipolar Kids Community

Raising a child with depression or bipolar disorder? You both need support. ... more

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momuv4girls

Joined: 02/05/2010

My Story:

Hi,

I am a mom of 4-daughters. My youngest daughter was dx at age 6 with ODD (oppositional defiant disorder), then eventually EOBP (early on-set bipolar disorder). I am fortunate enough to live in CA, where there are qualified / knowledgeable child psychiatrists, and to date, my daughter is doing pretty well. There are ups and downs, but nothing as extreme as when she was un-treated. My daughter is now 12.
My 19 year old daughter has mild depression and an eating disorder.
My oldest daughter is 23, and has a really good understanding of her 2- younger sisters struggles and is pursuing a career in child psychology.
My 21-year old daughter is patient and has a knowledge of mental illness that most adults don't have.
I am blessed, yet face daily struggles that test my patience, but must remember this is not my daughters fault, and I must be her voice!

I am a HUGE advocate for mental health awareness and belong to Bring Change 2 Mind and The Balanced Mind (http://www.thebalancedmind.org/) for support.

Knowledge is Power!

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Cool website with great Info.

Good info. for all of us raising a child with mental difficulties. ...

Posted by momuv4girls

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Cool website with great Info. Good info. for all of us raising a child with mental difficulties. ...

Reply: Lamictal feedback?

Hi, My daughter used to take brand name Lamictal, but due to the cost, we had to...

Posted by momuv4girls

20 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Lamictal feedback? Hi, My daughter used to take brand name Lamictal, but due to the cost, we had to...

Reply: Anyone with a child who has add/bipolar? Need some...

Oh my gosh, I am so very, very sorry about your son's death. You guys are dealing with...

Posted by momuv4girls

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Anyone with a child who has add/bipolar? Need some advice, etc. Oh my gosh, I am so very, very sorry about your son's death. You guys are dealing with...

Reply: Child depressed

Hi Mom, Just to back up a bit here............who diagnosed and who is medicating your...

Posted by momuv4girls

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Child depressed Hi Mom, Just to back up a bit here............who diagnosed and who is medicating your...

Reply: 5 yr old with bi-polar and post traumatic stress d...

I wish you and your son all the best !! - Just wanted to throw out a few good reads...

Posted by momuv4girls

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:5 yr old with bi-polar and post traumatic stress disorder I wish you and your son all the best !! - Just wanted to throw out a few good reads...

Reply: 5 yr old with bi-polar and post traumatic stress d...

Hi Mom, My daughter was put on Abilify at age 7. I totally understand your concerns...

Posted by momuv4girls

3 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:5 yr old with bi-polar and post traumatic stress disorder Hi Mom, My daughter was put on Abilify at age 7. I totally understand your concerns...

Reply: Not knowing what to do, whats next??

Hi Mom, First off (((((((((((((((BIG HUGS))))))))))))))))), you sound exhausted and...

Posted by momuv4girls

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Not knowing what to do, whats next?? Hi Mom, First off (((((((((((((((BIG HUGS))))))))))))))))), you sound exhausted and...

Reply: 7 Year Old Son Started Abilify

Oh gosh, I hear you - - I have lost friends (who didn't understand, and thought it was...

Posted by momuv4girls

Oh gosh, I hear you - - I have lost friends (who didn't understand, and thought it was about my lack of parenting skills......ya, right!!), and feel very isolated. Most people just don't understand.

My daughter was first dx at age 7 with ODD, and mood disorder. While she does have some ADHD traits, we can not medicate her for such because stimulant type meds increase violence, impulsivity and anger (as your son experienced).

My daughter is now 11 and the mood stabilizer her pdoc (short for psychiatrist) prescribed (lamictal) has been our life saver.

Typically a person with a mood disorder needs a first line mood stabilizer, like lithium, lamictal, depakote or tegratol, then an atypical antipsychotic add on med for break-through symptoms, like risperdal, seroquel or zyprexa.

My daughter has been on lamictal, a bit of risperdal and seroquel for over 2-years now with really good results. We've had to adjust her meds as she is growing, but over-all life has improved dramatically.

My daughter also sees a child psychologist to learn coping, and life skills, because medication is only a partial fix.
I do believe that when she was unstable, her therapy wasn't very useful - - I don't think she could absorb a lot in her unstable mind.

I honestly believe the very best way for your son to have a good quality of life the fastest is to find the very best Child Psychiatrist you can possibly find to treat him. A smart, skilled, board certified Child Psychiatrist is priceless in getting a child stable, healthy and productive.
I am lucky to live in CA where there are a lot of qualified Dr.s, but I know in other states they are more difficult to come by.

Another part of my learning to help my daughter is this wonderful organization that has been my lifeline these past 4-years called http://www.thebalancedmind.org/
I highly suggest you checking out their website, looking around and even join a support group.
Without their support, I honestly would be a lot less educated, more alone and feel more isolated than I already do.

I'm glad you wrote - write back anytime, as I am happy to share my (our) experiences with you!!

((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))
-KathleenView Thread

Posted bymomuv4girls

6 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:7 Year Old Son Started Abilify Oh gosh, I hear you - - I have lost friends (who didn't understand, and thought it was...

Reply: 7 Year Old Son Started Abilify

My daughter was on abilify a long time ago, and honestly, I forget how long it takes to...

Posted by momuv4girls

6 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:7 Year Old Son Started Abilify My daughter was on abilify a long time ago, and honestly, I forget how long it takes to...

Reply: I blame myself for my child being bi polar

First of all, I have to say I don't think you have as much power as you are giving...

Posted by momuv4girls

2 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:I blame myself for my child being bi polar First of all, I have to say I don't think you have as much power as you are giving...

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