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Telling People about my Child's Depression

I’m very up front maybe to a fault, but my attitude is I don’t want anyone to say "He’s acting a little strange" or "Why is he standing in line punching his mother like this, doesn’t she realize that he shouldn’t?" That isn’t acceptable behavior, but if you have a kid who’s out of control or who’s bipolar you are used to such a range of behaviors that you’d be shocked at what you start considering normal behavior. So, I’m very up front about it and tell people he has bipolar. I also make recommendations to people such as, he needs eleven hours of sleep, exercise everyday, and you must be calm with him because if you yell at him that could set off a rage. Who knows what people are saying behind my back but that’s the way I prefer to do it, just to be totally up front. I use humor a lot and joke about him having his bipolar moments, even in front of his friends.

 

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The diagnosis and treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders requires consultation with trained medical professionals. The information provided on this website is not intended as medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for seeking professional care if you have any questions concerning your medical or psychiatric health or the medical or psychiatric health of your child. This website is intended for parents and older adolescents, and contains candid discussions about the impact of depression. Young children should not view this site unless they have a parent or therapist present.
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Department of Psychiatry.
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