I think I might have Bipolar Disorder Type 2, and I'm 12. I've been doing a TON of research about it, and I have most of the symtoms (as a child). I really want to get checked for it, but how do I tell my parents, and convince them to help? I feel hopeless, and I'm pretty sure they'd just laugh at me. Help me.
2006-09-16 15:57:07 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
You will NEVER know what the outcome of your telling your parents will or won't be unless you try. They are responsible for your well being and should damn well take you for help if you ask for it. My guess though is that they will probably try to remedy this without outside help as I'm sure they want to be able to help their kid and be "good parents". Give them a chance, talk it out with them. Perhaps once they see the degree to which the disorder is at, they will take you for the help you seek. But don't keep this from them, it is very important to communicate this to them! Good luck! :)
2006-09-16 16:07:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Print out the most important research that you did. Make sure it is clear, for example, a bulleted list of the symtoms. Tell them that you need to talk about something important and ask for them to choose a time that you can have their attention. Then calmly tell them that you have not been feeling well, explain that you did research on your symtoms and ask them to please keep an open mind and look at the papers you show them.
If they do NOT believe you, go to an uncle, aunt, grandparent, adult neighbor, school nurse, guidence couselor, even a teacher at school. ANYONE you think MAY listen.. .then tell THEM the same things, tell them that your parents are in denial and will not believe you. Do NOT give up on this. At 12 years old... the symtoms you have, they MAY just be because of all the hormone changes your body is going through. BUT, you should do these things so that a doctor can evaluate you and be certain of what is happening. Bipoloar is quite controllable with medications and you can feel a lot better with them.... if worst comes to worst and you can not get medicine...try herbal remedies ( research that ) .
PS.........Kevin C.................MAN you are cute !!!!
2006-09-16 23:03:37 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good for you for doing such good research. The problem with self-research is that we can identify very strongly with so much & don't know what the defining boundaries are. So we become alarmed & panic & begin to tell ourselves that we have all the things listed. There's a reason that doctors are not allowed to treat their own family - because they're too close & can't have that essential unbiased distance.
Can you print out the symptoms & show them to your parents and say that you are troubled because you think you may have that problem? Sometimes seeing things in black & white may help your parents to pay attention to what you are saying. Perhaps ask them to take you to a doctor who can explain to you (& them) the reasons why or why not this disorder applies to you.
There's a lot of good suggestions here in this answer system as well. Good for everyone.!!!
Good luck.
2006-09-16 23:08:53 · answer #3 · answered by concernedjean 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you really think you might have bi-polar,I think you should collect your thoughts about why you believe you have it and give your parents an chanceto hear you out.If you have another relative like an Aunt that you can talk to maybe the two of you could go to your parents and talk to them.If you feel like you can't do this maybe you can go to a school nurse and she can set up a meeting to talk to your parents about this issue.It is important for you and your mental health to have this bought to your parents attention and have your self checked out.At your age it can be something else,not necessarily serious and easy to fix.You are going through alot of changes emotionally and physically so if this issue is bothering please let your mother know and give her a chance to talk with you and help you.Dont get scared or give up if you don't get the answers right away.Sometimes it takes awhile.I hope I helped you some.Bye NONNANONNA
2006-09-16 23:20:27 · answer #4 · answered by Laura A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't feel you'll get taken seriously by your parents, maybe you could talk to a guidance councellor at your school, or another adult in your life who you can trust.
You are still very young, so don't give up hope on yourself. I can tell by the way you write that you are very smart and aware. Before you come to any conclusions about what you may or may not have, please wait until you find out from a professional. Mental illness does not simply 'go away'; it's there for life.
2006-09-16 23:03:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would the laugh at you?
Ask them to see a child psychiatrist.... tell them you feel depressed and helpless and you would like some help before you hurt yourself...
Please go in and get diagnosed and treated
Only a doctor has the knowledge and ability to treat you, if you are only 12, you wouldn't have the experiance, no matter how much research to diagnose yourself.
It is enough that you know something is off.
Please go in and talk to your parents about going in.
2006-09-16 22:59:26 · answer #6 · answered by PreviouslyChap 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would casually bring it up with them, and see what they say about it. If they react like "That is bogus, how pathetic", then perhaps look to another family member or possibly a close friend's parents to take you. Or, if you happen to have the time, talk to your school counselor and see if they can help you out. I hope you are able to get help! Best of Luck!
2006-09-16 22:59:45 · answer #7 · answered by Ellem E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at age twelve, you will find alot later that life gets good. It takes time to realize this, so dont get messed up on drugs, or you will be stuck on them for a long time. Get a book called the Tao of Detox, and learn how to overcome these things. Its one of the greatest books i have ever read. I was once also depressed, and into really dark stuff. Life moves, so find alternatives!
2006-09-16 23:00:20 · answer #8 · answered by kevin_cease 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a parent, I would have taken such a thing very seriously and your parents probably will too. But, as a grandparent, I'd do anything for my grandkids. Do you have a grandmother? Talk to someone in the next older generation in your family who will support you in talking with your parents.
2006-09-16 23:01:07 · answer #9 · answered by William T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Show your parents a website with the symptoms in detail discussed. This should convince them (by their experience about your behavior).
If this doesn't help, try to talk with a psychiatrist or doctor yourself.
2006-09-17 10:56:20 · answer #10 · answered by stevevil0 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋