Bipolar Disorder, a Daughter's Perspective

Bipolar disorder in not only a devastating illness for the patient, but for the family as well. Growing up in a home with a mentally ill parent can have lasting effects that the child may carry well into adulthood. It is a difficult burden to bear, especially alone.

My mother suffers from Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depression. This mental illness is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. It can be treated with medication and behavioral therapy, and many people suffering from the illness are able to lead productive lives.

My mother was not, and is not, one of those people. Growing up, my reality was filled with witnessing fits of rage, bouts of hyperactivity and mania, and a lot of chaos. Witnessing frequent suicide attempts were common. I had no idea what normal was. I thought this was normal. This was what I knew.

As an adult now, with a family of my own, I realize the effects growing up in this environment had on me, and my sisters as well. We are working through our past and moving towards our futures in an attempt to put this all behind us. It is not an easy journey, but one that is necessary to have the lives we desire and to offer our families the lives they deserve.

If you have a loved one that is suffering from any type of mental illness, seek help. There is no reason for you to have to deal with this alone. Forget the stigma and embarrassment that is often attached to any type of mental illness. When a primary family member is mentally ill, the entire family can benefit from counseling.

Ways to Seek Support and to Help Yourself:

1. If you cannot afford to see a paid professional, seek help from other services in your community. Contact your local Department of Social Services, your county Mental Health Agency, your church or place of worship, and other churches in your area. You will be surprised how many churches offer pastoral counseling, even for non-members.

2. Find a Support Group. Check with your local hospital and county agencies to see if there are any support groups in your area. If not, start one of your own. You do not have to have a large group to reap the benefits a support group can provide.

3. Have one person in your life you can turn to and talk with that you trust. You need at least one person that you are able to talk to about the reality of your life.

4. Family dynamics are never simple. As much as you may love your parent, or family member that is mentally ill, if you or anyone in your family is ever in danger, seek help immediately.

5. You have to be able to separate yourself from the patient, and understand that you alone cannot be the loved ones savior. Do not allow yourself to be abused in any way. You may take an active part in helping your loved one find treatment, but you also have to remember to take care of yourself.

Any type of mental illness is devastating to the family as a whole. However, you do not have to go through this alone. There is help available. It may take some time to find the help you need, but you will definitely benefit from it in the long run.