i don't know exactly what to ask, or how
to ask it... So don't jump on me, ok?
What effect does it have on children that
have step parents that are bipolar and I
mean the very aggressive bipolar.
I just found out that my children's step
mom is bipolar. I knew something was
wrong with her, because of her behavior,
but didn't say anything.
I'm just concerned with the childrens
welfare now and have been reading up on
the symptoms, etc, but cannot find
anything about how it effects children
that have (step)parents that are bipolar.
I am sure there has to be some kind of
effect on the children. I know that they
can inherit it, if there were blood kin,
which is not the case here, but other than
that, is there anyone that can help me
find information about this matter?
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MysticalStar
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 24
Posted: 09-07-05 12:43pm
I think it depends on what type of bipolar
she has and if her medication is
controlling it. My mother and brother
have bipolar which I inherited as well. I
am worse than both of them, I have rapid
cycling and mixed episodes mostly
sometimes I will have depression without
mania or vice versa. But excluding my
illness I had a great childhood. The only
thing my mom did when she was in a "bad"
mood is hole up in her room or she could
be very unreasonable. But she does have a
milder case. I don't have any children
yet but I have never taken my aggression
out on a child or animal, I usually will
take it out on myself or another adult.
But that is me I cannot really tell you
how your child's stepmom will react to
situations cause everyone is different.
If your children are old enough I would
talk to them in depth about what went on
at their stepmothers house when they are
there. But I think I can safely say it
would be confusing for a child to have a
parent with severe mood swings. I'm sure
there are bipolar parents who take out
their aggressions on children so that is a
really tough situation. I'm sorry I can't
really tell you what you should do, but I
thought I would share my experience.
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vanessalouanne
Extremely EHEALTHy
Joined: 31 May 2005 Posts: 2268 Location: ,
Thanks: 1
Thanked:0
Posted: 09-07-05 12:51pm
I agree it depends if she is medicated.
My sister is bipolar and the best mom I
have ever seen. It really depends on the
person and if they have it under control
or not.
Trust your instincts though. If you
feel your child is in danger then act on
that and protect your child.
