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#2079639 - 05/20/16 05:00 PM
Re: any experience insight with bipolar disorder?
madukes
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Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 79
Where I am supposed to be
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MaDukes, I sit on the Board of a nonprofit in Minnesota that advocates for children's mental health. We have a resource available on our website ( Mental Health Fact Sheet ) that should be able to provide you with some good information. Has she exhibited any signs earlier on in life that might point towards Bipolar or depression? If so, that would seem to point towards this being a mental health issue and not drugs, alcohol, etc. As many know on here, my son (also 15) deals with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, ADHD, autism spectrum and at one point doctors believed he might also suffer from bipolar disorder. If it truly is bipolar disorder I would offer this piece of advice from my years of not handling my son's behaviors properly - always remember that she cannot control what is happening in her brain and do not take behaviors as rebellion or personal attacks. The bipolar should never become an excuse for bad behavior but should drive how you react to the behavior. I will be praying for you, her, and the rest of your family as you work to find answers. If you do learn that she is dealing with mental health issues, I am available to talk and share what little wisdom and advice I have.
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Do, or do not; there is no try. - Yoda
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#2079640 - 05/20/16 05:05 PM
Re: any experience insight with bipolar disorder?
madukes
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 82
221B Baker St.
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Could be hormones (affects some worse than others), drugs or bipolar. Or extreme teenage rebellion.
One sign of drugs as well as bipolar disorder is mood swings and behavior that is not normal.
Getting a medical workup is the best thing you can do. This is the time in this girl's life that her choices and grades can affect her future life in a big way.
Good thing she has you to care about her.
_________________________
"I’m not a psychopath. I’m a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research.†-Sherlock
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#2079673 - 05/20/16 06:47 PM
Re: any experience insight with bipolar disorder?
madukes
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Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 79
Where I am supposed to be
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In my opinion it sounds like you are doing all the right things. I think it is wise to pursue physical (hormones, vitamins, chemical imbalance) first because those things are more straight forward to test. There really is no one correct path to follow, but as long as you can keep the lines of communication open with her and keep her coming home that can go a long way.
Keep up the good work.
_________________________
Do, or do not; there is no try. - Yoda
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#2079691 - 05/20/16 07:41 PM
Re: any experience insight with bipolar disorder?
madukes
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Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 79
Where I am supposed to be
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It's not an easy road but I think it is a worthwhile road. If it does turn out to be Bipolar Disorder, know that many people live very good lives while dealing with the disorder. Keep the long term well in view as you deal with the short term setbacks and it helps.
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Do, or do not; there is no try. - Yoda
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#2079710 - 05/20/16 09:12 PM
Re: any experience insight with bipolar disorder?
madukes
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10K Club
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 21,939
Next to Harvey
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I've had personal experience with all three. In the order of their likelihood: * the angst of being a teenage girl, * drug (including alcohol) abuse, and * bipolar disorder.
The first two are hard to deal with, the third is difficult for even a trained professional to diagnose; it should not be your first instinct.
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In this world you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.
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#2079862 - 05/23/16 05:46 PM
Re: any experience insight with bipolar disorder?
madukes
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100 Club
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 105
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There is a kit you can get at Walgreens to test for drugs. A friend of mine had a son that she suspected was smoking pot and this is the way she approached it. Luckily she found out he wasn't but was drinking vodka. It sounds like she has been through a lot. Have you thought about the possibility of Post Traumatic Syndrome? The symptoms can sometimes mimic bipolar disorder especially with hormones in teenagers that create all of these emotions. I would also get her in with a good counselor so she can talk about her feelings. If it is PTS the counselor can identify it and treat it with a combination of antidepressants and coping mechanisms. Bless her heart and yours. As a parent of a teenager I know it is difficult to know what to do sometimes. We just want to fix it but sometimes it just isn't an easy fix. Prayers for you and your granddaughter.
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Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly, Leave the rest to God.....
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#2079884 - 05/23/16 06:13 PM
Re: any experience insight with bipolar disorder?
madukes
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10K Club
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 20,656
The Swamp
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Also, don't rule out (or have checked out) Adult onset ADD or ADHD. It's amazing the 'symptoms' that in a previous life I would have NEVER connected to this malady~! I also know it's real...and not always 'just' a result of lack of discipline.
Best of luck to you..it does sound like you are taking action in an appropriate way without alienating her. (easy to do with ANY teenager!)
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My opinion only. Not legal advice. Say you'll haunt me - Stone Sour
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#2079885 - 05/23/16 06:14 PM
Re: any experience insight with bipolar disorder?
madukes
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Power Poster
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,797
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Another possibility is a new boyfriend that grandpa need to talk with while cleaning his shotgun.
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#2079886 - 05/23/16 06:16 PM
Re: any experience insight with bipolar disorder?
RR Joker
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Also, don't rule out (or have checked out) Adult onset ADD or ADHD. It's amazing the 'symptoms' that in a previous life I would have NEVER connected to this malady~! I also know it's real...and not always 'just' a result of lack of discipline. ) Sure try to lure her into bank compliance
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Opinions can be considered as coming from anywhere but my employer.
CAMS
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#2084314 - 06/20/16 10:15 PM
Re: any experience insight with bipolar disorder?
madukes
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 7,728
Florida
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Is there a helpline that might be available through work? She may fall under your EAS plan if she lives with you and you are responsible for her as an adolescent.
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