Hi,
I have seen a few different threads posted by worried mums, often being failed by CAMHs etc. who just won't listen....I was going to reply to them all, but some were posted some time ago so I thought I should maybe post a new thread myself....
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a year ago, having struggled for years, feeling that something wasn't quite right but not knowing what. It was only after my Uncle was diagnosed that I recognised it in myself and then had to battle for two years to get it recognised and treated. With hindsight I can trace it back to when I was 7....and no I didn't suffer any childhood trauma, so I actually believe that I was born with it (as opposed to simply being predisposed). It didn't take too long after this to realise that my then 7 year old, now 9 year old, gorgeous, bright, polite, articulate daughter also suffers from it. I shared this knowledge with my daughter and it has been the making of our relationship....she understands herself so much better now......I know exactly the struggles that you, as parents, will be going through....as well as the children involved, having been that child with bipolar......no, we don't suddenly wake up at 18 with bipolar-impaired brains!
I am very involved in trying to get it recognised, understood and treated in the U.K., where we are light years behind the States (and yes I do know all the arguments that it only exists in the States/is now over diagnosed/we shouldn't medicate our kids, etc. etc. so please don't waste your time quoting this at me.... Both my Uncle and I would have lived very different lives that recognised our talents/fulfilled our abilities had we known what we had/what we were dealing with and had treatment for it....
It would be sooo lovely to hear from anyone and I hope that we can be a force for change and help our children to get the help they need and deserve x x x