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Support and Coping

Trinita - posted on 11/09/2009 ( 4 moms have responded )

I am having a hard time with my son. I thought I was ok because he didn't seem to have a very severe disability. I am finding out that it doesn't need to be severe to be overwhelming.

He was diagnosed at age 7 with ADHD. The meds haven't been working at all. Last year he had a psych episode and spent a week inpatient. He has facial grimaces as well. He was diagnosed this week with Bipolar disorder. He also has developmental delays.

I also have Bipolar disorder. It is very hard trying to care for my son and I am finding myself extremely frustrated and yelling a lot. I am also crying a lot because I am feeling overwhelmed. Contrary to my previous belief, I need more help with him than I expected. I applied for respite services but how do I bridge the gap until those services start?

How do I manage and cope? How can I keep myself from getting so overwhelmed? Please help. All suggestions are welcome.

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Susan - posted on 05/12/2010

OK so I didn't read your second post before replied lol.. But the web site that I sent you to is for and about families raising children with special needs.. a really great site!

Susan - posted on 05/12/2010

Hello,

It really doesn't take much to suddenly feel overwhelmed. Please visit our book club at http://www.exceptionalfamilytv.com/bookc... . Barrie's story sounds much like yours.. check it out. Hope this was helpful!

Trinita - posted on 01/25/2010

*****Update*****: A lot has happened in a short time. A few weeks back, Joseph told the psychiatrist that he was still hearing the voices. The dr made a med change which helped greatly. He now says he doesn't hear them anymore. I still think maybe he never had ADHD and it was just the onset of the bipolar. He has a VERY strong family history of bipolar on both sides and I also started having symptoms as a child. I was seeing the facial tics before the ADHD meds began, but they certainly increased the severity. He will be evaluated by a ped. neurologist in April.

I am about to start a struggle with the school board to pay for a private school. He holds his symptoms in all day and was having MAJOR meltdowns daily after school. The class sizes in public schools are too large for him so he doesn't get the individualized attention he needs. To boot, his teacher this year has a "I don't want to be bothered" attitude, which always helps. Also, no one on public school staff is trained to handle psych issues. I feel that a placement where both needs can be addressed is in order. I am also a little concerned with his safety. He says that the voices tell him to kill but he doesn't listen because he knows thats wrong. I am worried that he will be in a situation where he is incapable of maintaining that integrity.

The private school is VERY small. There are about 3 kids per classroom. It's in a old building but the program there is excellent. They have many state awards. They also have 2 therapists and a psychiatrist on staff every day. They have one weekly group therapy session just for the kids. Then there is another weekly session where parents are required to attend with children. The public school system here is about #4 in the state of MD but they still cannot provide anything even close to what this school offers.

Susan - posted on 01/24/2010

the facial grimaces could be from the medication he is on from ADHD as i have a friend who was put on meds for that and he didnt have them until he was on the medication,i would personal take him of and see if he has a depression issue,as far a the bipolar disorder,my daughter had it aswell and was inpatient for 2 weeks,there mood swings go up and down and they can be put on medication for that aswell it helped my daughter alot,my son gets respite services every year as he has down syndrome and kleinfelter syndrome, you usual get $500 a year which can be used for a baby sitter,summer camp etc.have you looked into after school servicesfor him,i do not now where you are from but in ct we have yales child study which you can set up and tell them you dont have the money and they will give you a list of programs for you or ask your sons doctor or hospitals awell as they all should have a list off outside services that your insurance company may cover.i hope this helps.