Teenage 17 year old bipolar

[ZoPla]

Hello all. My 17 and half year old DS has bipolar 2, very recently diagnosed. It's been been a very erratic, tough few years....
Just wanted to ask any parents out there if they have older teenagers with this and how they've got on, what their experience has been and any tips, words of encouragement would be most welcome. Experience of medications would also help. Thank you.

Hi OP, we're just bumping this for you in the hope that someone will be along with advice very soon.

Best of luck.

Hi I have a daughter who will be 17 very soon. She has a diagnosis of Bi Polar Disorder. She also has a learning disability which makes it so much harder.

At 15 years old she was sectioned . I can not express how bad a time that was. I live in fear of another manic episode.

She has been very stable on Risperidone. Downside of this medication weight gain, binge eating because the patient is so hungry and excessive prolactin levels. Messes up periods and makes boobs grow.

At the moment her anxiety levels are through the roof and she is depressed triggered by the death of her much loved pet. She is getting flashbacks to bad experiences daily and crying a lot.

I’m finding dealing with her depression a lot easier than mania but its pretty tough going all the same. I am holding on to the thought that its just another cycle and this too shall pass.

Feel free to pm me.