Is anyone a bi-polar parent? Or knows some-one?

[oldishmum]

Would really appreciate any thoughts/experience on how other Mums manage parenting with bi-polar. My (extreme) mood swings have got a lot worse (more frequent)since my DD was born 7 yrs ago. Now I take meds full-time & have to really watch my stress levels. I think my "shoutiness" has affected my DD's behaviour - sometimes I am so tense I lose patience too easily. I have heard of a specific parenting course but it seems only available in Australia. My DH tries to be supportive and understanding but its all getting horribly complicated by onset of menopause (also moodswings, tension etc).

I have a very close friend who is bipolar. She is a wonderful parent, but has had a tough time since her diagnosis. It has taken time to get things sorted and for her to get rid of some of the stresses in her life. She has good support from the community health team, but not much from family. Things that happened in the early stages of her diagnosis have left their mark on her dc but they are working hard to deal with them. There is support out there although sometimes I guess it is hard to reach out and grab it. Keep talking to dh and maybe see if CBT might be available. Good luck.