As you know my dad had Bipolar 1 and back when it was totally stigmatized with no help. I was born in 1969 and he was pretty stable for 10 years, but then in 1979 had a huge breakdown and then one a year for a good 10 years after. It did effect me, but that was when there was not any help for children who had a parent with bi-polar. I did get teased a few times about my dad and yes it was awful. But that is my story and probably will not happen with your daughter. IT is different now than it was then. I did become angry at my dad for being sick with his bipolar, but that was when I was a teenager. I learned though how strong my dad was and brave, now he is my hero. My dad taught me how too accept the cards we are dealt and how to never give up on life. He now is in heaven with my mom and both of my parents still give me strength. Your daughter will not see you as bipolar, she will see you for all the wonderful attributes you have. My dad was a huge tennis player and taught me how to play, he also loved nature and gardening. He was a sweet man and a caring father. I do not ever think of him with his bipolar ever. It was just a small part of him, but it was not who he was. HE was my caring, funny and highly spirited dad. He also taught me empathy and my mom did too. I wish my dad never had to suffer, but in a way we all suffer and we cannot hide that from our child. The suffering can actually bring you closer. And again my memories of my dad are of who he truly was not his times when he was manic or depressed.
Thank you for sharing. Your story made me cry. You’re right. Even if (when) my daughter goes through difficult times because of my illness, that doesn’t mean we won’t see our way through it. I have faith that we will. ❤️
I understand your future concerns! As someone who is inspired by you it is hard to imagine her feeling any other way than proud of you. And as she gets older she will only realize how strong you are.
My father (passed away) had bipolar. As a teen I was horribly embarrassed. But I was a teen. I was embarrassed in general of my parents. 😅 . The fact that you care and try makes all the difference. I’d wager, your daughter is already proud you are her mom. . Hugs to you.
@@ourbipolar Remember you are also making it easier for her. Every child will go through some mental health challenge through junior and high school. This one has a pro who can offer sound tips for navigating it all. Everyone’s challenges will be unique. And there is still advice that hold for general mental wellness. You’re the mom with the inside scoop!
@@ourbipolar I was much more embarrassed of the other legally-responsible-for-me adults in my life who all had quite severe mental health concerns, and did nothing for themselves, much less others. At least with my father there was a “why” and he did try. Trying counts! (We never finish anyway. LOL)
hearing your husband talk about your marriage I got the impression that you didn't allow bipolar disorder affect your family life. Your daughter will be very proud of you, you should should really not worry about that
As you know my dad had Bipolar 1 and back when it was totally stigmatized with no help. I was born in 1969 and he was pretty stable for 10 years, but then in 1979 had a huge breakdown and then one a year for a good 10 years after. It did effect me, but that was when there was not any help for children who had a parent with bi-polar. I did get teased a few times about my dad and yes it was awful. But that is my story and probably will not happen with your daughter. IT is different now than it was then. I did become angry at my dad for being sick with his bipolar, but that was when I was a teenager. I learned though how strong my dad was and brave, now he is my hero. My dad taught me how too accept the cards we are dealt and how to never give up on life. He now is in heaven with my mom and both of my parents still give me strength. Your daughter will not see you as bipolar, she will see you for all the wonderful attributes you have. My dad was a huge tennis player and taught me how to play, he also loved nature and gardening. He was a sweet man and a caring father. I do not ever think of him with his bipolar ever. It was just a small part of him, but it was not who he was. HE was my caring, funny and highly spirited dad. He also taught me empathy and my mom did too. I wish my dad never had to suffer, but in a way we all suffer and we cannot hide that from our child. The suffering can actually bring you closer. And again my memories of my dad are of who he truly was not his times when he was manic or depressed.
Thank you for sharing. Your story made me cry. You’re right. Even if (when) my daughter goes through difficult times because of my illness, that doesn’t mean we won’t see our way through it. I have faith that we will. ❤️
Still worried but plan to discuss with my psychiatrist.
Love you Jess!
I understand your future concerns! As someone who is inspired by you it is hard to imagine her feeling any other way than proud of you. And as she gets older she will only realize how strong you are.
Thanks so much ❤️
My father (passed away) had bipolar. As a teen I was horribly embarrassed. But I was a teen. I was embarrassed in general of my parents. 😅
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The fact that you care and try makes all the difference. I’d wager, your daughter is already proud you are her mom.
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Hugs to you.
I hate that I might make those tween/teen years harder for her. But I need to put it into perspective. Thank you.
@@ourbipolar Remember you are also making it easier for her. Every child will go through some mental health challenge through junior and high school. This one has a pro who can offer sound tips for navigating it all. Everyone’s challenges will be unique. And there is still advice that hold for general mental wellness. You’re the mom with the inside scoop!
@@ourbipolar I was much more embarrassed of the other legally-responsible-for-me adults in my life who all had quite severe mental health concerns, and did nothing for themselves, much less others. At least with my father there was a “why” and he did try. Trying counts! (We never finish anyway. LOL)
@Moss-Teigh You didn’t deserve that. It does give me hope.
Thank you. I wish I could reach the other kids. Maybe kids are a bit more aware and kinder than in our day.
I have 5 children. The youngest has Downs syndrome. We are extremely close as a family. I have 8 grandkids I adore .
I love that
❤❤❤
hearing your husband talk about your marriage I got the impression that you didn't allow bipolar disorder affect your family life. Your daughter will be very proud of you, you should should really not worry about that
Thank you