Bipolar Disorder...it's genetic...

@cpefley (1941)
San Jose, California
May 31, 2016 1:47pm CST
So, I was always afraid that one of my children would develop bipolar disorder, and now all three of my teenagers are exhibiting symptoms. Last night my oldest son was texting me with things he wanted to buy with his graduation money, and this morning he called really early because he needed help withdrawing the money. When he came over, I suggested that he might be manic. He smiled at me and said he has suspected that he was bipolar for "awhile now". I told him that I knew he didn't like expressing his feelings, but there isn't a feeling he will ever feel that I haven't experienced. We are both in manic cycles right now, which is good, because I know I can help him through it. It made me realize that there is a chance that I have passed on this genetic monster to all six of my kids, which is scary, but also made me realize that, even in my darkest of moments, I have to fight so that they don't have to walk this road alone. When I was their age I had no idea what was wrong with me, and felt so alone and scared. I didn't know how to balance this manic happiness and anxiety with the suicidal depression. Writing helps me, both fiction and non. I love my kids so much, and my heart hurts for their upcoming struggles, but I will always make sure they are never alone...
1 person likes this
2 responses
• India
31 May 16
If you don't mind me asking but how do bipolar disorder people manage their jobs? How do bosses and supervisors behave when depressed people are unable to give their best shot? All I know about this disorder is that there are cycles of euphoria like happiness and then periods of severe depression lasting from few days to months. My maternal aunt is bipolar and she works so much, highly active even at night for two months and then she becomes so depressed that she even stops talking and eating and keeps on sitting in one place whole day without doing anything.She doesn't work as she is a stay at home mom.One thing I would like to mention she is extremely intelligent.Is it true that bipolars have above average intelligence.
1 person likes this
• India
31 May 16
@cpefley This intelligence has a huge cost. All I can say is have faith in God and leave everything in his hands.
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@mbabies2 (426)
• United States
31 May 16
Unfortunately my daughter is bipolar too which she gets from her mother and depressed and anxious which she gets from me We can't help what we pass on. All we can do is be there to help them through it.
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@cpefley (1941)
• San Jose, California
31 May 16
Depression and anxiety are symptoms of bipolar disorder too. I hate it. It's hard. I'm pregnant, and can't take anything and the panic attacks are not fun lol. You are right. All we can do it help them through it.
1 person likes this
@mbabies2 (426)
• United States
31 May 16
@cpefley I'm so sorry to hear it's tough for you but hang in there. That little life is depending on you.we are for you!