Is there someone out there that is bi-polar that could please tell me what they were like as a child? I realiz

Question

certain symtoms don't show up until older but were there problems when you were 4-6 yrs. old that maybe you remember or your parents told you about?

Answer 1

Pretty normal, ISTR. I had an odd life from 11 or so that has left me with a few issues, but none of them had any bearing on being bipolar. Why the questiopn, if you don't mind me asking?

Current thinking is that there is a strong genetic component to bipolar disorder, but it takes some environmental factor to start the cycling. Stress is considered one likely cause, and it is well documented that antidepressants can start bipolar disorder where the individual has a genetic predisposition.

You could also ask at http://www.crazyboards.org

Answer 2

I am bi-polar 4 (racing thoughts never stop) the dr told me I had a racing engine for a brain and a 1960 ford for a body LOL) I was dx 8 months ago, as a child (grades K-11) I was ALWAYS getting into trouble (this was before the great tag of ADHD) couldn't sit in class, always either being the class clown or so depressed I would fake a an illness to either be sent home or to nurses office to lay down, I had 9 siblings so there was alwalys afight going on or I would just climb on the roof just to be alone, today the med help some but I am calling Dr today as I have gained 12 lbs in 22 days....good luck

Answer 3

My wife is Bi-Polar and has been for 44 years. She had no noticable symptems untill after the birth of her daughter. You do not say if you are Bi-Polar. If you are, I will tell you that you will need someone who loves you, who is understanding, has all the patience in the world and is prepared to devote his or her life to your care. For us, it has been extremely destructive, both financialy and and socialy. M D's can have a constuctive and happy life, but the the "highs and lows" are never too far away and episodes descend with very little warning. There is much information on the" web" about this terrible illness, you simply have to type bi-polar in your browser. We have found that outside of the home, people do not understand, or dont want to uderstand and are in fact afraid and politely cry off. Our experiences of riding the wave of Bi-Polar are far too numerous, heartbreaking and potentialy unbelievable to be mentiond here. I would like to hear from anyone who is Bi-Polar, or people close to them, just to share experiences and maybe offer some help and support, outside of the medical and clinical enviroment. There is understanding and advice to be had, no one should have to suffer this illness alone.
I wish you and all others, all the best.
[e-mail]

Answer 4

I have Bipolar and also work with children who have mental illnesses. Symptoms at that age are hard to recognize. Things to look for are. They don't play well with others. Extreme periods of sadness and happiness. I would play by myself at times for days. I also would talk to myself alot. You might want to find out if the child has imaginary friends. I had four. Imaginary friends is a much better concept to ask your child then to ask if they hear voices. It is the same thing but less scary for them. Watch sleeping and eating patterns. As a child my mother said I would act normal and eat and sleep normal and then switch and not sleep or sleep to much and the same with eating. My advice as a mental health worker would be to get help if you see these patterns. e-mail me with more questions if you like?

Answer 5

I remember that I was always sad but never knew why. About the age of 11 I started wanting to die..I wasn't diagnosed until much later but I do remember being talkative one minute and crying the next and always sad..I hated school and didn't want to be around anyone when I was sad. I don't know much earlier than 11.

Answer 6

I am Bi -polar however the biggest symptoms didn't rear their ugly head till after my third child was born. I had heard whispers since childhood but thought it was normal until after my daughter was born and those whispers became yelling voices. I told my gyno because I had symptoms of the baby blues after he couldn't properly diagnose me he referred me to a shrink that was 5 years ago and its a day to day battle.but its a fight Im going to win:)