Q: How do you navigate parenting or raising a family while living with Bipolar?
My children were 5 and 3 when I was diagnosed. And the first years after diagnosis were very stressful for me and my family. I’ve always been upfront with my kids about having bipolar disorder and what it means. I explain things in an age-appropriate way which means the content changes from year to year.
I like to think that having a parent with bipolar disorder has helped them build their empathy and compassion. I do worry that have been badly affected by witnessing my manic or depressive moods, my hospital stays, etc. at such a young age. I hope not. Other family members have ranged from incredibly supportive to completely ignorant and offensive. The joy of families!
