How do I tell my kids I've Bipolar Disorder???

[divedaisy]

I've been diagnosed last Friday with BiPolar Affective Disorder (Manic Depression).

I've been on ADS for some time now - citalopram 40mg. My Psychiatrist is starting me on an Anti-psycotic and maybe a mood/behoviour stabiliser too.

I'm OK with the disgnosis. It's a bit of a relief for me TBH. However, I've 2 kids - DS is 8yrs and DD is nearly 2. How do I explain this to my DS??? I feel I need to tell him something as the new medications may have certain reactions - physical or emotional and I feel he needs to have some understanding of the situation. (I had been given Seroquel 50mg and it gave me severe restless legs, so I had to stop taking them!)

Anyone had to do this??

I used a teddy bear for DS age 5 we had sad clothes and happy clothes we both had one and I used that to explain to him.

Did you describe it as an illness??? 'But Mummy you're not sick!' ie not coughing etc.

No son, I just get mad.....

No I havent I may when he is older, but for now he knows mummy sometimes gets very sad but it is no ones fault and sometimes mummy gets very happy. We had a bear and put his happy clothes on when DS is happy and his sad clothes when he is sad. I will probably explain more when he is older.

this is a good forum where lots of people with bipolar will be able to help.

I got a book about the bipolar bear family to explain to the dcs when dh was diagnosed

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1425929524/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/183-9365927-1015851

Might not be age appropriate but was a good starting point for the discussion. That was a few years ago and dh is pretty well at the moment. Good luck and hth.

thanks for all your suggestions. I've registered with MDF now so will see how they can help...

I looked at the Bipolar Bear family books, and other books on Amazon. I'll get my library to get them in for me to use.

Onwards and Up....but not Tooo High