It's Really Difficult Being A Manic Teen = [

I have sever mood swings. None of my friends are aware that I have bi-polar. I found when I was 15 years old and I am about to turn 18 on December 27th. I am taking Lithium and it works for maybe a few days, and even with my taking it regularly, it stops working and I feel very depressed, self contious, and lonely. What do I do? I don't even like being alive anymore.

-Danielle Spillman

[hopefulmommie]

hi.I'm not bipolar but my mom is. I know how hard it can be watching my mother go through what she has went through in her life. You need to know that you are not alone. So many people suffer from bipolar. The good thing is that you know your diganois and you can get help.maybe your lithium dosage needs to be increased ir you should try a new medicine.what about topamax? My mom took that and it did help her. Everyone is different but i think that if you can get on the right medicine and dosage it would help you. You could also try telling one of your friends so that you could have someone to talk to and you wont feel so alone.

[Teashop]

Thank you. It's just so scary trying new medicine because I don't know how it will make me feel. I will bring of that medicine to my doctor and see if he knows anything about it. Thank you very much.  = ]

-Danielle

[kyah]

im also bipolar im 17 years old. you can always talk to me ive gone through like basically everything bipolar. talk to your phyciatrist. she may need to increase the dose it sounds like.

[kyah]

groups.myspace.com/bipolarteenssupportgroup

please join

[Teashop]

Do you ever feel like nobody understands our thoughts? Nobody understand how it feels to have a billion and one thoughts running through your head and hardly any of them being positive?

Hardly anybody understands me. I feel like I belong no where. Just in my room, with my guitar. What medicine are you taking?

[kyah]

i totally understand. i have like sooo many thoughts running through my head my thoughts keep on changing. its crazy. its so hard to be positive sometimes. im on lithium 900mg, zoloft 75mg, and geodon 80mg. what are you taking?

[aconfusedgirl]

hi.. im a twelve years old girl and i think i may be bipolar.. i have, like u said, severe mood swings; one second im laughing, the other i feel like not beeing alive.. i have to cry myself to sleep everynight bc im hardly ever tired. im not sure im bipolar though, because i dont have those severe '' manic moments? '' when u dont think clear at all.. well when im chocked or sad i turn out beeing pretty violent but i dont stay this way for a long time, only sometimes. sometimes its just like all crazy in my head, i think '' omg this is so sweet!! '' and in the same time i feel totally the opposite.. anyways, does anyone here thinks its the beginning of bipolar disease? im really worried bc not a lot of 12 yrs old girls are bipolar and all those thoughts drove me to cut myself for a while last month bc i feel like if nobody understands.. i dont wanna talk about this to my parents because they will just find me crazy and mental, and we dont have a psychologue at school.. so what can i do? please help..

[Venora Moonwind]

But you need to talk to someone especially if you are cutting. If you were my daughter I would be crushed that you wouldnt come tome so I could get you and evaluation to get the help you need. ddo you at least have a counselor at school you can talk to and then talk with your parents as well so they can see youa re sereious? and if they do find you mental well you are  being mental and you need to get an adults help.
Love Venora

[DLA]

HI.  You need to find somebody to help.  Are you sure your parents wouldn't listen to you?  I'm a mom, too, and I would do everything in my power to help my child.  Nothing is too much to do for your children.

If not them do you have an aunt, uncle, or grandparent that you're really close to and could talk to maybe?  Maybe some one like that could help you and be willing to go talk to your parents with you.

I was a 12yo girl with bipolar, so I know how hard it is.  I'm not saying for sure that you are, but that it is a possibility.  Please talk to someone.  If you want to talk to Venora or I just message us or post on the board again.  We'd both be more than willing to help you any way we can.

Dac

[ChelsMom]

Im so glad you found this website! That means you are looking for help, that means you are looking for answers, that means you want to live, you have hope, that's AWESOME!
I wish being your age was all fun and games, easy, I really do. My daughter, Chelsea, is only a little older than you. She was cutting herself for about a year and I didnt even know it. If I had known, I could have started getting her help a whole year sooner. She always wore the hoodies with the sleeves down, so I didnt see her arms. She is very good at hiding things, she says she doesnt want to make me sad or mad. I would do ANYTHING for her. I think you need to give your parents the chance to be the kind of parents you need them to be, the kind you hope they might be. IF they arent, at least you tried, and dont give up. There are TONS of people out there that only want to believe that their kids are just acting like "Normal teens". Life is hard, and is bad at times, but feeling suicidal even for a little while doesnt really count as the Normal. That only means that you probably do need alittle help, for real. My daughter is trying to hold on, she wants to be happy, normal, learn to drive, have a life....It can be so hard. I had mental troubles when I was you girls age, and I actually still do. I can only try to make the right decisions and let people help when I need help. Dont quit looking for answers. You may have a chemical imbalance in your brain, billions of people do. You could need some medication, dont think its the end of the world if someone says "Your mental". Our brains are REALLY complicated, and they have SO MUCH WORK TO DO!!!! It isnt that unusual for a brain to need alittle help to get the job done. Every school has a counselor, and they have to know about these things or they dont get the job! Go talk to one! They dont bite:) Write again, and remember, one day at a time-it actually does work!
Bless your heart for writing.

[TeriKB]

I am the mom of a 13 year old teen that we just got diagnosed with bipolar II. That is bipolar with a lot of the same behaviors and feelings you are expressing. I am so lucky he did talk to me. I saw depression in him 6 months before and we started dealing with it-- but it didnt get better. We had talked about cutting and he was so adament that he wouldnt do that-- I didnt check and he had started to for a brief time and like the above post-- the hoodies covered it. I thought the cat scratched him. anyway-- he was saying all the same things you are-- the moods the happy then not- very impulsive actions. I hate to think what could have  happened to him if we had not caught it. His actions and mood swings would have horrible for him to deal with being 8th grade. So honey- you gotta talk to your mom or dad or aunt or close teacher. Something. You are right- there is something going on and a doctor can figure it out and help you. keep coming back here if you dont get help. Teri

[marsha_ann]

My son will be 13 this weekend.  I've been struggling with his behaviors since he was 4. After the 'terrible twos', each year just got worse. Back when he was 6, I was told he was ADHD, ODD, & IED.  (I never believed the ADHD diagnosis)  Six years later, a psychologist siad that he was not ADHD nor ADD.  Now after going through puberty, my son's behaviors are getting worse.  He did cut his arm once (that I know of) about a month ago (he confided in my mother, but I'm not suppose to know).  We've been to several doctors & counselors.  He's good at manipulating & telling them what they want to hear (to make me sound like a crazy mom).  But he does lose his temper sometimes, and they see how he can be. He's on probation right now (18 mths), and has another year to go. He's in court ordered Anger Management, but it's not helping.  He's had 9 referrals at school since Sept 07, and only has one more chance. If he gets into trouble one more time, he will be expelled.  Just last week, we found out that he made a death threat on my brother-in-law's family.  He threatened to murder the whole family.  That upset everyone (but him), even the couselors.  I fear that his verbal aggression might become physical again (he was physical when he was 4-7 yrs old).  I also have a 3 yr old, and we fear for his safety.  

My son has major mood swings, cries for no reason sometimes, is always angry (around me), yells a lot, is very defiant, doesnt have many friends (most kids at school think he's weird or a freak), & his grades have dropped.  At times, he is hyper ... but it's the annoying giddy/silly way.  He got like that when he was suspended for 3 days, and I couldnt figure out why he was hyper instead of upset/sad (like most kids would be if they were suspended & grounded).  When he's like that, he talks a lot & fast (changing subjects quickly).  
He also has trouble falling asleep at night.  I make him go to bed at 9pm (on school nights), but he'll lay there until midnight or after before falling asleep sometimes.  
He also likes to dress in the Gothic style (we wont allow it to get real bad since I buy his clothes).  He has cut a thumb hole in all of his long sleeve shirts, to make it look similar to fingerless gloves.  He wears a lot of black & other darker colors to school, but will wear lighter things on the weekends at home.  He wants people to know he's a Christian too...so I've bought him cross necklaces & religious shirts.  But he questions the Bible (because 'man' wrote it).  He's very confused about religious things.  One night when he was really upset, he said that 'heaven isnt much better than hell'.  I think he's just scared to spend eternity anywhere.  

Does any of this sound familiar ??  I'm trying to find a doctor right now who'll tell me if he's bipolar or not (we think he is).  His current doctor is 'beating around the bush', and wants to try other meds (which arent working).  So, I'm trying to set an appt with another doctor (but they havent returned my call yet).  

Stressed out mom,
Marsha

[DLA]

Your son needs to be in a mental hospital where they can evaluate him 24hrs a day.  Would think with the death threats the drs would order it.  In there they can dx him and get him on meds that will stabilize his condition.  Mental hospitals are not like ppl always think they are.  Check one out and see if you aren't impressed by the way the patients are handled there.  It's completely different than just 10-20 years ago.  Different frame of mind all the way around.

None of us on here can dx him, but he does sounds very bp.  

Am praying for you, him, and the family.  Know this has to be horrific to see your child go through, absolutely heart breaking for both of you.  You are a terrific mom!  Hang in there and we'll be here any time you need us.

Dac

[JillthePill77]

I've just read about  and I'd agree with DLA.  I think the easiest way to help (and it truly is help) your son get placement into a mental hospital is to call 911 right away when something drastic happens.  They make it much easier depending on your finances.
Keep me posted and let me know if I can help. When I was at my worst I used to wish that someone would help me find a mental hospital; and I had great docs.

Jill

[Crystlas]

Hello there.  The first thing about you post that disturbed me is his ADHD diagnosis.  Majority, if not all children with bipolar disorder get diagnosed ADD or ADHD first.  How the doctors/psychiatrists discover that the child is bipolar is because they do not respond to ADD/ADHD medications and do respond to bipolar medications.  Most GOOD psychiatrists get a clue from there and properly diagnose the child.   The symptoms you describe are bipolar.  I know.  First of all I am a social worker.  Second of all I am a crazy research buff and want to continue my studies in the field of mental health when I go back to school for my LPC.  Also, my fiance is ADD and I am bipolar.  Therefore, I have a bit of knowledge to share with you and would like to help you with your son.  As far as your son minipulating the psychiatrists and the counselors, you can intervene.  He is a minor.  I would suggest you keep a journal or log for his behavior.  Every day, make observations about how he is behaving and write it down.  You said he goes from hyper (mania) to dark and sad (depression) in a short period of time?  That is a rapid cycler.  I have that too, along with mixed state, which is where I feel both mania and depression at the same time.  Anyhow, I would also recommend that you get your child into a mental hospital ASAP.  He needs 24 hour care and he needs to be evaluated.  I went this past January myself and finally got my proper diagnosis and the correct medications.  Before that I did not have a very good psychiatrist and the wrong medications she put me on caused suicidal ideations and I tried to take my own life.  Learn from my experience.  I now have a great psychiatric nurse practitioner that handles my type of BP (Bipolar I, rapid cycling, mixed state) which happens to be the hardest to treat.  However, due to the wonderful hospital I went to, I got the evaluation I needed and the right meds.  Now, fianally, I am living a more stable life!  It is wonderful.  Don't you want the same for your son?  You do not want a doctor that does not correctly diagnose him to give him the wrong medications and cause him to become suicidal.  The suicide rate among teenagers with mood disorders is extremely high.  Do you want to lose your son to suicide?  He is cutting on himself and making death threats, that is a clue right there.  PLEASE get your son into a hospital ASAP.  Another individual on this forum recommended I speak with you regarding the fact that you wish to wait until school is out.  That might be too late and you do not want to leave him in there over the summer.  He needs a week or a week and a half of close observation.  I was taken off all the **** that my doc pumped me full of, except my Lithium because it works so well for me.  Now I am on two, yes only two meds and it is great.  The hospital doctor put me on Wellbutrin for my depression and Lithium for my mania.  So far, so good.  I hope that my personal experience helps you to decided what is best for your son, hospitilization.  Don't you want him to get the help he needs so he can be on the right medications and enjoy his summer?  Here are some websites to read about bipolar disorder.  Good luck.

www.nami.org

www.bipolarhelpcenter.com

www.moodswing.org

[Crystlas]

Hey there, I should address you too, because this is your thread afterall!  The reason you are not feeling stable is that you are not getting the right treatment.  Lithium is an awsome med, but very rairly is it used alone.  I am on a Lithium/Wellbutrin combo for my BP.  Anyhow, you also have to take your medication, as directed, every day or it will not work correctly in your system.  These medications are designed to re-align the biochemistry in our brains.  If you do not take the medication properly, this can not happen.  Bipolars have improper balances of both dopamine and serotonin.  For example, my Lithium helps the Serotonin levels so that I do not go manic.  And the Wellbutrin helps my dopamine levels so I am not depressed.  If I went on and off my meds, my biochemistry would never balance properly.  Makes perfect sense huh??  That also means staying off of alchohol and drugs, because when they are thrown into the the mix it aggrivates your BP and messes up your meds working correctly.  I would start taking your Lithium like you are supposed to and after three weeks get your levels checked so that you know if you are at a theraputic level for your body.  Also, I would work with your psychiatrist to find out another medication to work with your Lithium to aliviate your symptoms.  Hope this helps!  

[River89]

Hi, I've never posted here before, but here goes. Hello, everyone.

I'm a bipolar eighteen year old, it's suspected that I've had the bipolar component since at least seventh grade, and the depression has been going on continually since I was a young child. I spent 12 days in a psychiatric hospital last May along with getting on medications(I've been on Celexa, Seroquel, Wellbutrin, Abilify, Lamictal, Depakote, Lithium, Metadate, and Trileptal[not all at once]), and it, while at the time I disagreed, and still somewhat do, helped. It kept me safe from harm to myself, and for a while I was stabilized. It's not a cure-all, but it is definitely a valid option, especially in your son's situation, in my opinion. Even a partial-hospitalization program might be beneficial to your son, anything at this point sounds like it would be an improvement.
Best wishes,
River

[marsha_ann]

I do want to get the best help for my son !!!  We had another appt with his pdoc yesterday.  She FINALLY decided to try a mood stabilizer (Trileptal).  He refused to take it yesterday during our 2.5 hour fight ... but he did take it last night & this morning with no problem.  

I havent logged on in awhile, so I just now read your posts to me.  I've been busy getting things ready for that doctor's appt ... which she didnt even look at the things that I had ready for her to look at (I hate doctors like that !!!).  

Last Wednesday, Austin had a meltdown after school.  I found him out in the yard crying histerically.  He couldnt explain why, but I'm guessing it was lots of emotions combined.  He asked me "what's wrong with me?" ... but of course days later he claims there's nothing wrong with him.  That day he also admitted to hearing whispering.  And I found out more yesterday ... he hears mumbling, knocking, talking, and sees blurry or shady like figures around people/things  sometimes.  All of this just worries me more & more !!!  He said it's been going on for over a year or two ... so in the past when doctors or I have asked about this, he's lied.  
I havent noticed any more cuts/scratches.  So, that's good ... I guess.  Unless it's in areas that I dont see.  

I do still think that hospitalization is the best thing right now.  I really do !!  My husband & I have been discussing it a lot.  We thought we were going to have to make an appt today ... because of the major tantrums yesterday (refusing to take the new med).  My husband told him that he could take the med for us, or take it at Brentwood (hospital).  

The only thing I'm worried about is ... either the hospital stay can make things better ... or make things worse.  Because if he doesnt get the help he needs, his behavior will be 100times worse from being angry that we sent him there.  He stayed at that hospital for a week when he was 6 yrs old, and he STILL hates me for making him go there... and that was seven yrs ago.  

[marsha_ann]

I believe my son's pdoc is finally agreeing with me, that he has Bipolar & ODD.  I still dont think she's totally convinced, because the only behaviors she's seen from him is major defiance.  But if she would live with him for just 2 or 3 days, she would realize that I'm not making all this up !!!!

Also, the school board is getting involved again ... getting an IEP plan in action.  So, he can get some help at school hopefully.

[ames67]

Its good the school is getting involved. Teacher's reports of behavior can really help with accurate diagnosis. Have you read The Bipolar CHild by Papalos and Papalos, great resource for parents and professionals alike. It reads like a manual and really goes into great detail about the neurochemistry involved and what medications are good. The authors have done a ton of research and have a bipolar checklist in the book. They also have a great website www.bipolarchild.com and newsletter. Check it out !

[marsha_ann]

I havent read that book, but I recently bought The Bipolar Teen by Miklowitz & George.  Only on Ch 3, but everything seems to fit.  

Our problem is finding a good doctor.  There arent many around here who take Medicaid.  Over the past 7 years, we've tried 5 or 6 psychiatrists, and have seen 1 psychologist (for testing).  And neither my son nor myself have cared for any of them.  Of course my son probably wont ever like any of them... but I hope I will find a good doctor that I can get along with.  

I've seen on the news, and on these forums, about kids ages 4-10 being diagnosed & treated for Bipolar in other states.  But not around here !!!  These doctors say they dont want to make that diagnosis until the age of 16.  But I knew if I didnt force the issue ... he might not be alive at age 16.  He hates life so much already.  I'm sure they think I'm a psycho, bossy mom .... but I wasnt going to be quiet !!!  I know something is wrong with my son ... and I'm not going to stop until he gets the correct help he needs !!!!

[ames67]

That msut be so frustrating on the one hand, but on the other, at least there are docs out there who are not overdiagnosing. There is a ton of professional debate on whether or not bipolar exists in kids and determining at what age should the diagnosis be given. In terms of finding the right doc, I would contact doctors and/or therapists in your area regardless of whether or not they take medicaid and see if they can refer you to someone who specializes in it. Also, look for any type of bipolar or depression support group or mental health referral agency in your area, such as Catholic Charities, and see if they can make some suggestions. ANother good resource is www.nami.org the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Also, contact any colleges or universities in your area, especially medical schools, and see if they have mental health (counseling/psychology/psychiatry) graduate programs. If you could find a faculty member that researches it or has research studies on it you may be able to get your son involved in a study with medication trials. Hope this helps, best wishes to you both.

[marsha_ann]

Thanks.  I have emailed 2 members of NAMI around here.  One did reply, but the one in my town has not.  I've written her 3 times now.  Not sure why she wont reply.  

I've heard there are some support groups around here, and I will be checking into those. I definately need some support.  This forum has been a great help !!!!  It's nice to have others to talk to about all of this !!!!  

I'll try to check for messages on here more often.  I've just been busy the past week.  We do have a college here.  My mother works there.  I might get her to look up some psychology professors & see if she knows any of them.  Thanks for that idea !!!!

[ames67]

You are most welcome. Glad to know my 12 years of graduate school has paid off! I also worked with a psychologist for 4 years who specialized in neuropsychology and bipolar so I learned a couple things :)

[River89]

Trileptal seems to be the "gateway" mood stabilizer. My best friend and I were both diagnosed bipolar and put on Trileptal. I don't like it that much, but I certainly hope it has better results for you! Good luck!
River

[JillthePill77]

I really like Trileptal.  I went off Depakote and on Trileptal and my mood is MUCH better.  I really didn't want to go off the Depakote, but now I'm sooo glad.  I'll need a lot less blood tests too.

[marsha_ann]

Did the Trileptal make any of you tired & sluggish?  That's what he complained of yesterday... but I think he just needs to let his body get use to it.  I think the med might have a 'calming' affect on him & he's mistaking it for being tired.  He just started taking a 1/2 pill Monday night.  So he's only had a total of 2 whole pills (300mg) so far.  I think it's going to take a little longer before we see any results. LOL !!!  

So, if this does help his bipolar symptoms ... then what advice do you give for fixing the ODD behaviors???  Because he is VERY defiant !!!!!

[marsha_ann]

I found out from my son's counselor, that the doctor did not write bipolar as a diagnosis in his chart yet.   That aggrevates me !!!!!!  So, she must still not agree thats what he has.  Hopefully at our next appt (in 3 mths), she'll agree then.  I guess she's waiting to see if the Trileptal helps or not.

[ames67]

Just because the doctor did not write bipolar as a diagnosis does not mean they do not think that is going on. Once diagnosed it is on the insurance records. Something like Adjustment Disorder or ADHD maybe a lesser diagnosis to get the help you need without the severity of the label, and may actually be doing you a favor. I would ask them point blank what their diagnosis is and why. They should not have a problem telling you. But yes, there is also the issue of how they respond to the medications, which in this arena, is unfortunately how some diagnosis can be made. It is not a perfect science , yet......

[Crystlas]

Ames is right.  In fact, I went to my local Vocational Rehabilitation today for my Psyc evaluation for my job placement.  Anyhow, the Masters level Psychologist that did my eval got into a conversation with me (I hold a degree in social work) surrounding situations such as yours.  He was asking me if I had symptoms as a child and the conversation took off.  I expressed my concern about children being "pumped" full of different medications and how does that effect their brain development.  He said that sadly, diagnosing children is much more difficult than adults due to their age and the differences of symptoms.  The hardest to deal with is ADD/ADHD symptoms versus bipolar disorder.  Unfortunatly children end up as guinea pigs.  The reason being is that ADD/ADHD can mimic bipolar symptoms and vise versa.  So, the situation you are in is quite normal for you and your son.  If he does not take to these meds and she is not complient in working with the both of you I would recommend switching to a psychiatrist that will provide the services you need.  I hope this helps a bit.  

[marsha_ann]

I do understand all that you're saying.  I know it's got to be difficult to diagnose anyone.  He had psychology testing done 2 yrs ago and here's what that dr wrote up as the Diagnostic Impressions:
*Oppositional Defiant Disorder vs. Conduct Disorder
*Adjustment Disorder with Anxiety and Disturbance of Conduct
*Pervasive Developmental Disorder NOS – Asperger’s features
*Generalized Anxiety Disorder
*School Problems
*Parent-Child Relational Problem
*Personality Disorder NOS with antisocial and narcissistic features

That dr also wrote that Austin is “quite egocentric”, “quite distraught”, and is “extremely pessimistic”.  And he disagreed with my question of Bipolar at that time, but he said that it could be a possibility in the future (since it ran in the father’s side of the family).

I guess I really dont care what 'label' they pick ... I just want to know what exactly it is, and how we can help him start to feel better & behave.  There's TOO much stress in this house !!!

[JillthePill77]

As a Special Education teacher, I have always felt that labels are not nearly as important as treating the symptoms.  A lot of parents feel a need to know what exactly is causing their child's problem.  It's much more important that Austin's behavior and emotions are dealt with in a consistant way and that he is getting the right meds to help him control his problems.  If the doctor is helpful otherwise, you really don't have to agree about the diagnosis so much.  Can you get Psychologists on Medicaid?  Mine is wonderful: and so much more helpful than a my Psychiatrist.  She has plenty of time to listen to EVERYTHING that is happening.  I wouldn't recommend further testing, but therapy would be great.  The big advantage with my Psychologist is that she understands the interaction between medications and my behavior and she really helped me learn to structure my days in a positive way.  She has a much greater ability to influence my Psychologist, too.  A conselor works for the Psychiatrist or the school district and they often can't make candid suggestions to the doctor.  My Psycholist works for me, and has my best interests in mind.

How's everything going at Austin's school?

[marsha_ann]

Yes, Medicaid will pay for psychologists.  There's just not one in our city that will (not that I know of anyway).  I hate driving back & forth to the next town (30min one way).  Especially with gas prices rising.  

Austin is doing well in school right now.  I think he's really trying to make good grades.  Just hope he'll keep up the great work until the end of May.  

[Crystlas]

I am sorry this is so frustrating for you.  I am sorry it is causing so much stress.  I do hope they figure out something soon for your son!  Take care.

[marsha_ann]

Well, Austin seems to be doing well on the Trileptal.  He claims that it makes him more depressed (even though he doesnt act depressed at all), and he claims that he cant draw anymore.  He went through a drawing block about a year ago, and got over it.  I'm sure it's the same thing again.  He just wants to blame it on the medicine.  He's still very defiant ...but I know the meds wont fix that.  He doesnt want to take the med anymore, but I'm making sure he does.  I hope the med will start to make him feel better soon, so he'll realize that it does help.  

Oh, just for fun ... I found this website for stress relief.  For those of you who love bubble wrap ... go here & have a blast !!!  
http://www.therightfoot.net/mystuff/whatever/swf/bubblewrap.swf

[Crystlas]

I can hide my depression really well and no one knows that I am feeling awful.  I am pretty good at it and most people were very surprised at my suicide attempt.   At the time, my sister-in-law's mother was put in the hospital and is still in intensive care.  My attempt was in January.  Anyhow, my family asked how come I did not show signs that I was so deeply depressed.  I told them, I hid it from them because I did not want the focus to be taken away from my SIL.  I was told to not worry next time and to tell them.  I hid my depression by doing what I had to do and escaping into my apartment shutting out the world.  So, if he is feeling ucky and having that out-of-it feeling, then he is still having depressed symptoms even if the other ones go away, like hoplessness and feeling sad.  

[Crystlas]

OMG, I LOVE the bubble wrap link!  I bookmarked for stress relief.  I have this fetish with bubble wrap.  I can not contain myself from popping the bubbles when I see it!!  Hee hee..and it has MANIC MODE!   Thanks (((giggling)))

[marsha_ann]

Glad you liked the bubble wrap !   I thought it was neat, & fun.  Its crazy what people can make on the web.  I popped several bubble sheets today myself.  

As for Austin, I figure that by the next time we see his doctor ... if he still feels like he's depressed, she'll probably add an anti-depressant to go along with the Trileptal.  He's tried Zoloft before, and it didnt do anything.  Maybe it wasnt a strong enough dose. I dont know.  But she never increased it.  I know there's other anti-depressants she can try with him too.  

He did have an interesting incident this evening.  Austin was climbing a tree ... and got his leg stuck.  Really stuck.  I didnt know about this until it was all over (I was cooking supper).  But my husband, father-in-law, & brother-in-law had to get a rope & the tractor out to free his leg.  They tied the rope to the limb, and pulled the limb down some with the tractor ... until Austin could get his leg free.  Of course, he thought it was funny.  We're just glad that this didnt happen with no adults around.  If he had lost circulation for hours, he probably would've lost his leg.  

[Crystlas]

I am glad he is ok and that you guys were there!  Has he tried Prozac?  I know it is one of the Anit-Depressents prescribed for children.  It is a much older med but every effective.  You have to give AD's a chance.  They can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 3 months for the full effect to kick in, depending on the level of depression.  Mine was so deep and I started Wellbutrin end of January.  I am still not feeling the full effects, but tons better.  I remember the first time I used it and felt fabulous, so I know it is on its way!  

[marsha_ann]

He hasnt tried Prozac yet.   Zoloft was the first & only anti-depressant that he's tried.  He was on it for 7-8 mths (cant remember exactly).  

I tried Wellbutrin years ago to help to quit smoking.  It caused me to get bad headaches daily, so I had to quit taking it after a few days.  My friend was on it to help her quit smoking, and she gave me some she had left over... because it wasnt working for her.  I have a history of migraines, so I probably cant take anything that has a side effect of headaches.  Austin has had 2 migraines so far too.  I hope he doesnt continue to get them!!!  I dont wish migraines on anyone !!!!  They are aweful.

[Crystlas]

I am a migrainer too!  But, I do not get migraines on wellbutrin.  I am so glad.  It works great for me!  Maybe he can try prozac?   I did not get migraines on it either.  BTW, a natural method for getting rid of migraines is magnesium therapy.  You can get it anywhere there is a pharmacy in the suppliment section.  Take 250mg in the morning and 250mg at night.  It kicked my migraines in the rear starting three years ago, recommended by my nurse practitioner!

[marsha_ann]

Wow, I've never heard of the Magnesium therapy.  Can I take it while I'm taking migraine prevention meds daily?  Guess I might need to talk to a pharmasist first.  I take Amitriptyline (Elavil) 25mg, and Gabapentin (Neurontin) 300mg  every night.  Well, lately I have been taking the Gabapentin every other night (they cost more than the other one, so I make them last longer).

[Crystlas]

Magnesium therapy allowed me to come off of my migraine meds.  I still have break through headaches now and then so I have maxalt on hand and some other dissolvables, I forget the name.  They are in my little migraine care kit I carry around with me.  My doctor gave me samples.  Anyhow, magnesium is all natural.  It is inexpensive too.  I love it.  I have gone from 2 headaches a week to 2 or 3 a year!  Usually heavy stress related or a trigger food I did not watch for.  Hope this helps!

[marsha_ann]

Heavy stress ... LOL ... that's what I have almost daily with my boys !!!!  But I havent noticed any food triggers.  I have tried to watch for that before.  Couldnt find anything... except for eating too much chocolate.  But I dont eat as much of it as I use to (trying to lose some weight now).  

[shes_a_super_freak]

hi, i'm 14 and i think i am bipolar
i ave really bad phases of depression inc. slef harm bullimia and suicidal thoughts as well as phases of hyperactivity and huge screaming rows
i get hyperventilation panic attacks and afterwards sit silently for hours in a sortof trance or sit in a corner screaming over and over as loud as possible
• Separation Anxiety
• Rages & Explosive Temper Tantrums (lasting up to several hours)
• Marked Irritability
• Oppositional Behavior
• Frequent Mood Swings
• Distractibility
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity
• Restlessness/ Fidgetiness
• Silliness, Goofiness, Giddiness
• Racing Thoughts
• Aggressive Behavior
• Grandiosity
• Carbohydrate Cravings
• Risk-Taking Behaviors
• Depressed Mood
• Lethargy
• Low Self-Esteem
• Difficulty Getting Up in the Morning
• Social Anxiety
• Oversensitivity to Emotional or Environmental Triggers
i found these on a site as most common features of teen bipolar. they all aplly to me... even the social anxiety..i always thought it was normal to feel sick when u dont know people or embaressed at talking in fron tof people or eating nor anything
i get violent easily and am in psychotherapy? idk wot its called for depression
but the counsellor only ever sees me when im sad
this is ruining my home life school life and social life and i find it hard to wake up every day. ive styarted bunking off school
how can i tell my counseklllor that i tihnk im bipolar without him thinking im an attention seeker
i really cant take any more of people just thinking im a brat