I am raising 2 grandchildren, a girl 16
and her brother 14, we have had these
children since they were babies. My
grandson is diagnosed with fetal alcohol
syndrome. I am so tired I do the best I
can for these kids, love them dearly and
am mom to them as they get older. I was
diagnosed with depression a year ago and
am taking lexapro. I was reading about
bi-polar and this really sounds more like
me. I am happy sometimes and then the
next minute am so depressed. I hate
feeling this was. It upsets my husband,
who is very supportive of me. I dont know
how to handle these mood swings. If there
are any other grandparents going through
what I am please help me
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STLSingleMomma
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 29 Sep 2003 Posts: 30 Location: St. Louis, MO
Bi Polar Vs Depression Posted: 09-29-03 10:04am
Hi there...
My therapist said that since bi-polar
"runs" in my family, I most likely have a
type of bi=polar, but mine focuses on the
depressive end of it.
I started prozac (generic) and my moods
shot sky-high... I had a huge upswing,
and my doc decided I also should have a
mood stabilizer - this helps keep my highs
and lows at a more manageable and livable
rate... I still have good and bad days,
but they're "normal" not extreme.
I know here in missouri there is a group
called "grandparents as parents" through
the state assistance program, perhaps
there is one where you live - the state
can at least lead you in a direction...
Raising children is hard enough - but
you're raising grandchildren. At this
point in your life i'm sure you were
looking towards retirement and having the
grandkids visit at holidays &
birthdays....
Of course you're stressed, and rightly
so!
If you can find a therapist, i'd say go
for it. And kudos to your husband for
being on your side and supporting you.
Maybe the whole family can get into
therapy, even a few meetings can help..
Good luck.
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Angel_dust6903
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 04 Dec 2003 Posts: 7 Location: Arkansas
Posted: 12-04-03 13:49pm
I hope you get everything figured out. I
know it is hard. My grandmother raised me
and my little sister since I was 4 and she
was 4 months. I know it was hard for her
because her husband had passed away and
she has parkakansas and other heart and
physical problem but she had tried her
best and I thank her for the person I have
become. So try your best and may god
bless and help you.