Can any of you recommend a Bipolar or Mental Illness resource that's specific to GT folks? I'm not sure if such a thing exists. My HG DH is going through another episode and I'm looking for new insight. Reading makes me feel more in control of something that logically I know I have no control over. I think it's more of a coping mechanism for me.

Have you ever read "Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults"?

http://www.amazon.com/Misdiagnosis-Diagn...0899&sr=1-1

Might offer you some new information or new ways to view the situation.

No - I haven't read it. I put it on reserve at my local library. Thank you!

Hi Ann,

I don't have any resources for you. But I do have several acquaintances and 2 good family friends who are WAAAY gifted and also bipolar. Both have decided not to medicate because they are absolute off the scale geniuses when they are manic and they don't want to give that up. But they scare us nearly to death when they are depressed--terrifying! They are such good people and we love them dearly, it is hard to watch them go through this.

So take this as a virual hug.

Acs

Wow! You pursue resources faster than *I* do!!!
You are most welcome!

Thanks Acs (big hug to you too). It sounds like you know what we're going through. DH is in the depression cycle right now. Inpatient and day hospital hasn't helped. The group sessions make DH irritable b/c he doesn't identify w/ anyone in the group. Don't get me started on what he thinks of those facilitating the group sessions. Ideally (though not possible) DH would be willing to see his pyschiatrist daily. He respects his psychiatrist's frankness and intellect. DH went through several before he found the current doc.

Like other issues w/ our kiddos, this is something that I can't share with our "friends". And maybe I'm borrowing trouble, but I can't help but worry that DS2 will be like DH. It can be exhausting.

Start with this website and see if you can find anything of interest.

Also, it's been a few years but I read some articles about treating the depression with light therapy and a strict sleep schedule. I know meds are about the last thing most people with bipolar want to take. When they're up, they don't want to come down. When they're down, they think there is no reason worth lifting their mood. My heart goes out to you.

Added info.

OK, a couple more while I was browsing.

For children

Sleep connections

That sleep connections isn't real good, I think. Here's another one.

I love that the women (sorry for being sexist) are so helpful on this forum. Thank you OHG. I'll talke a look at the links now while I eat lunch.

Ann-

Big hugs to you and high hopes for a slightly less exciting rollercoaster ride through life for DH and those around him.