Hi Danny!
My understanding is that BP is genetically linked. One of the very first questions I ever answered when I sought help for myself and my kids was if I had anyone in my family who battled a mental disorder.
I, myself am BP and 2 of my 3 children are BP. My Grandmother was BP, and she took her life when I was 15 years old. My uncle is also BP. I am SURE there are others in my family who are undiagnosed BP for I can see the symptoms. It's funny that in a family FULL of medical professionals, we just don't talk about BP at all...there is still the stigma & shame.
Just keep a loving, watchful eye on your daughters. I think you are an AWESOME Dad to already wonder/worry about your daughters, attempting to shield them from BP.
My 14 yo son was diagnosed with BP BEFORE I was diagnosed. I had to come to terms with his diagnosis BEFORE my own! I will say, it took me @ 2 years to accept his diagnosis for I just did NOT want to believe he was BP. I "could" accept a diagnosis of depression for him, but BP for me meant he would take his own life, like my Grandmother did!
As far as the stigma attached, I HONESTLY do NOT tell people (unless I have a close relationship with them) that I am BP. I hear comments about patients with BP made almost daily in my work place, and little do those I work with know, that they are speaking of me!
I agree with you about your doc...ditching him/her sounds like a positive thing to do. You NEED ALL of the support you can get with BP. Unfortunately those in the medical field don't always understand BP disorder.
Hang in there you Great Dad YOU!
Jackie
Sorry for going on & on!
Linear Mode
