How do I explain to my 12 and 16 year old that I am bipolar?

Question

For the majoirty of my career I have owned my own business.
Even though the company did well through out its years the comapny always lost good people and some were good friends . Two year ago I closed our doors. Since then I took a year off and and now for the second time in over 20 years I am faced with finding a job. Well, there has been no problem finding a good job but in the last 12 months I have been dismissed by 3 employers. In each circumstance I had negotiated an executuve role each paying in the 6 digits ++.

I now realize that throught the many years it has been me that has been the problem. It is only now that I realize this and realize that I need to take control of this beast.

I will be attending my first group therapy next week. I have been medicated for a number of years. After research I now realize that I also require therapy.

Can I make good what has gone bad?How do I protect my family from me until I become in control?Can I get in control?

Bizzare!

Answer 1

You may have just made the most important discovery in your life. Recognizing that you are at the center of your problems is a big step forward. Taking steps to change how you deal with others when your life feels out of control is going to be hard, but these are the stair steps that will lead you out of the pit.
Both the therapy and the group feed-back have the potential of helping you to find and maintain a balance that your family can live with. As you progress over the next few months, family therapy can be extremely helpful to help your kids know what to do with the changes they see in you.
Protecting your family from you in the mean time - that is a good first question for your therapist. You can get into control, it may take more work on your part than the average person out there, but it is possible. Your family will be ever grateful.

Answer 2

Hi there, I've been suffering from bipolar for a long time, maybe years, but I only got a diagnosis about a week ago! Nobody else in my family has it, they all have recurrent depression instead. It's a relief to get the diagnosis in a way, because I know that it's the Bipolar causing my mood swings and not just ''me being crazy''. I've been started on a low dose of Zyprexa, I think my psychiatrist intends to add more medication in a couple of week's time. I think at the time he thought I was manic, because when he asked how I would rate my mood I said 'low side of normal' and then his eyebrows raised and he looked shocked and said 'you mean you get a lot higher than this?' and I went 'hell yeah!' and laughed, and that's when he put me on the Zyprexa. I'm a bit depressed at the minute though, and I can't manage to make myself leave the house, get dressed or get something to eat... Anyway, at the moment I'm not functioning well at all, but it's kind of a relief to know there are other bipolar people out there that are coping and living a normal life. I hope that will be me soon too. Maybe once I'm on the right medication. All the best. <3 x

Answer 3

You took the first steps in realizing your problem and getting the neccesary help for a serious but highly treatable mental illness. You need your family to be there for you for support. Maybe take them with you when you go to see your health professional to discuss the circumstances and to create a plan of action that includes all in the family. Continue with your therapy and medication. A regular routine that includes a good diet and exercise may also help to keep your bipolar in check. Good luck!

Answer 4

I think you need to be honest with your children. They are old enough to begin to understand that you are suffering from a medical condition. Tell them that you have an imbalance in your brain chemistry that makes you feel a certain way. You can describe the feelings and actions to them. Tell them that there is medicine that can help you and that you are also getting help from a therapist. You need to explain to them that you are doing everything you can to stay healthy so that you will always be there for them... Don't overload them with too much information at once, but answer their questions as they arise. You should also closely monitor them for signs of bipolar disorder because it can be hereditary. Good luck to you, and it's great that you're being proactive in your treatment and keeping up with what you need to do to stay healthy.

Answer 5

I just wanted to say my kids are 7,3,2, and 1 and I am totally open with them about the fact that mummy has something called bipolar (they think I am a cuddle polar bear lol) and sometimes the things she does is not so normal but I am still mummy and still the boss. mainly the 7 year old understands all of this and not so much the little ones.
yes you can get in control with the right meds.
I want you to know there is lots of people that totally understand where your coming from.
take care
Lisa

Answer 6

I would contact a support group for parents, through such organizations as the Depression and Bipolar Alliance (www.dbsalliance.org) or a local bipolar organization to connect with other bipolar parents and their spouses that are facing this issue. They have the experience to help you with this.

Also, you need family therapy. My guess is that your behavior has not just been affecting your work. You need to address issues with your family, as well. Good luck.

Answer 7

Hi

One of my closest friends has Bipolar. I have seen both sides of it and realise how difficult it can be to cope with. My friend visited a site on the internet especially for people that have Bipolar. There is a chat room on this site as well.

Maybe you can ask the other members the best way to tell your children. I hope this helps.

http://bipolarchat.net/

Answer 8

showing and introducing ur wife

Answer 9

tell them the truth