As I navigate the scary terrain of researching and attempting to understand bipolar disorder in children, I come across some things that really hit home. I feel so guilty for any contribution I make to my daughter’s suffering. I’m trying hard not to blame myself for her mental health challenges. All the while, doing everything I can to learn, grow, and do better for her every day.

While reading a blog on The Bipolar Child website, this passage stood out.

“Because these children are so proud and often manage to keep it together in the outside world, people don’t believe that this charming child can turn so quickly in the home environment, and they are apt to jump to the conclusion that the child is manipulative, or that the mother is igniting the problem, thus placing a double burden on the already-abused mother.”

My daughter does display severe symptoms around other people, particularly teachers and others in authority attempting to direct her actions. Other parents of special needs children can be dismissive, especially if their child has more outwardly obvious issues. Parents of neuro-typical kids are shocked by her behavior and make harsh, unfair judgments.

It’s tough when family members blame my parenting style. This happens a lot. I’m far from perfect and I make lots of mistakes. But I am devoted with a full commitment to help her and our family.

Until a mile is walked on someone else’s journey, no one can fairly judge nor should they. Most parents are doing the best they can, myself included.

We still don’t have a diagnosis. All this research may be off course a bit, but the knowledge I’m gaining is empowering me to ask more questions, to find more answers. That’s the best I can do.