please consider discussing bi-polar disorder in young children. our son is 7, almost 8 and has suffered immeasurably. this disease has held him and our family in its awful grip for 5 years. currently our little boy is in the hospital for an acute episode. more people need to talk about this, more people need to see that mental illness exists.

Katherinegm, You took the words out of my mouth. I was actually going to begin by stating basically the same exact you wrote. I was about to change the channel when the previews came on. I sat there the whole time crying and chain smoking, but I waited until the show was over. If u would like to talk please email me ....ginAsian@yahoo.com

I read over 150 replies to this topic trying to find if anyone out there felt the way I did about Andrea, the mother who killed her child. Unlike just about everyone who wrote in I am not BP nor has my life been affected by someone with BP. However, I do have Major Depression with Psychotic Features, which nobody would know about because I have been so thankfully properly diagnosed and treated. Even my roommate of 5 years was shocked when I mentioned I needed to see my shrink to get a refill on my Wellbutrin and Abilify. He never even suspected I might have a psychiatric disorder. But prior to treatment, I was often in the darkest of dark places, routinely self-mutilated secretly, and often was suicidal. I heard voices that I thought were messages from God telling me to do these things and to harm others. I am fortunate that I was never able to bear children because looking back, if I had, God forgive me, I am reasonably certain that in one of my darkest periods I was capable of doing what Andrea horribly did. Does that make me a person who should be locked away for 46(?) years??? My heart wrenches for the entire tragedy - the child who never had a chance to grow up, the now ex-husband who lost his child (and why wasn't he getting her the help she obviously was crying out for), and the family and friends of Andrea. Having said all that, I cannot help but cry out for people to see if they have any mercy in their hearts for a woman who is obviously so grief-stricken she never even went to trial to seek some lesser sentence of hospitalization instead of incarceration for 46(?) years. I know I am going to get blasted by everyone and their brother for suggesting this, but I cannot see any justice in this sentence for this individual. Assuming her case was honestly and fully portrayed, which I believe it was, I feel there has been a miscarriage of justice. This comes from having been in her shoes and only through luck did I happen on a doctor who knew what he was doing and put me on the right meds for me the first time (I KNOW how lucky I am). Otherwise, you might have seen a show on Oprah about "Anne in Atlanta" who had murdered someone for looking at me funny. The only difference between Andrea and I is luck. I had someone who cared enough and was savvy enough about mental illness to drag my sorry ass to a psychiatrist who was tops. I certainly never would have gone on my own. Heck, I thought everyone had voices in their heads telling them to ram their car into the oncoming car because they had their brights on and were making it difficult for me to see in the dark. I thank the Lord daily for bringing this person and this doctor into my life and saving myself and others from almost certain tragedy.

Anne in Atlanta

This is an insidious, erratic and unpredictable disorder. My son married a woman 10 years ago with bipolar disorder. He was in his "knight in shining armor" phase and felt like he could help her. Unfortunately, it was a long 10 years. They are now separated pending divorce. He loves her and feels badly that he could not keep up his pledge through "sickness and health", but as he was in financial ruin and ultimately was going through depression of his own, it was mandatory that he make a decision that was best for him for a change. I am so glad that they never had children.

At her insistence, they tried to keep her condition a secret for many years; to no avail, I recognized it immediately. I gave he the book "An Unquiet Mind" by Kay Redfield Jameson years ago; an excellent book. I just want to stress the point that this is not a curable "illness"; it is unstable and just because a medication is working does not mean it will continue. The medications can also cause health problems. It is also a really poor idea to have children as the medications are contraindicated for pregnancy and with the hormones through gestation and postpartum only tip the scales more. Sadly many people with the disorder have children anyway, making rational decisions is not the long-suit of the bipolar person. I pray for my daughter-in-law and wish her only the happiest life. I am just glad that my son will now have a more promising future.

Thanks Melissa! I don't have children so I don't have that issue to worry about; but disclosure is an important issue for all of us! We should not be shamed into silence.

I would also like to see Oprah discuss the diagnosis in children and early intervention.

Lana Castle's book, Bipolar Disorder Demystified, gives you the statistics on having a child with BP if one parent has it and another set of stats if both parents have it. Needless to say, the stats are higher if both parents have BP.

Lana's book is by far the best book I have read concerning BP and self-care. Page 231 has a table with symtoms and the vitamins and minerals to help alleviate the symtoms. I have found that exercise and nutrition are my best defense in staying stable. Yet life can throw us a curve that no medication can take care of, such as a death in the family, divorce or other obtacles in life; maintaining perspective is especially important during these times.

I recently discovered REBT, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, developed by Albert Ellis. It has been a lifesaver for helping me control my mood swings and keep my rational beliefs intact instead of operating from irrational beliefs. Anyone can have this problem whether s/he has BP or not. I was in and out of therapy for years and no one introduced me to REBT. A friend in England "found" it in a book about overcoming verbal abuse. It is a simple 3 step process and has been very effective for me personally. The frustrating part for me was finding out Dr. Ellis developed the theory in the 1950's! Many therapists do not use it, presumably because of Ellis' perceived "abrasive" personality. I became very solution focused in therapy a few years ago, and still, no one mentioned the process to me. I am just thankful I found it because it has made a tremendous difference in my life.

Best to you,
CLC

I can see how this may be possible in an un-medicated, under-medicated or never medicated person, who suffers fom this major disorder. I do not know all the factors in this case, however it can be possible, considering if she was off meds. for some time, or was not at the CORRECT dosage.

I know, as my husband suffers from the same disorder, with Axis 1 category. Unmedicated he is out-of control, totally manic, with many of the classical symptomologies. For many years we suffered together, and now he suffers alone, as we are separated-my choice-as he crossed my boundaries once too often.

I AM a patient and understanding woman, and was a"good" wife. However, he was taking me down with him during his manic episodes and he, himself, chose to stay unmedicated, or went off his meds., which is another trait of this disorder.

His highs were really destructive sometimes, and sometimes really wonderful to be a part of. And his lows of deep black despair were so extreme he was almost catatonic.

THANK-YOU for bringing this debilitating disorder to THE FOREFRONT AND BACK INTO THE PUBLIC!!! I have NO stigma about any mental illnesses, and tried so hard to help my husband.

However, many others, in the world, esp. in "our little world "never understood what was happening, or were grossly misinformed, or rejected us. For us, it was a dark secret that we had to keep from many, esp. in his line of business.

Something changed the day we got his diagnosis-that person he was before was now labelled. And that in itself was a blessing and also a curse. For him, and for me.

If only he had stuck by his medication regime, stayed with psychiatric counselling, marital counselling and WANTED TO HELP HIMSELF. Because, he must help himself because he WANTS to, not because he has to. Then, and only then, is it possible. "You can lead a horse to water, but can't make him drink, " theorem,

I belong to DBSA (Depression & Bi-Polar Support Alliance), The Bi-Polar Support Group and also STILL attend NAMI (National Alliance For The Mentally Ill) support group meetings. And I read whatever material I can get my hands on, go on-line and so on, to get a better grasp of this whole complex disorder. And the more I learn the more I am better able to comprehend.

A small inkling, if you will, of what my husband, and what countless others go thru, suffering immensely, from this disorder.

It has been a long and tough journey for us both, and we are not alone.

I wish however, you had given Dr. Jameson much more time to discuss her life, her books, and most importantly, her RESEARCH, as this woman is a RESPECTED EXPERT IN HER FIELD. Sure I would like to hear S. O'Connor's Story next week, but with due respect, in my humble opinion, Dr. Jamieson deserves more time than was allotted to her.

THANK YOU OPRAH FOR BRINGING THIS TO THE PUBLIC WITH SUCH COMPASSION AND OPENESS!!!

And making it very clear that this disorder manifests itself differently in each individual, although many of the symptoms are pretty classic to most meeting this diagnosis.

I think that killing someone is not a very common occurrence, but it appears that in the case of this woman, it clearly played a role.

A few years ago, our daughter was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and finally has gotten the help she needs.

But we remain quietly 'alert' to any mood swings that might signal a return to illness, as Dr Jamison and some others pointed out that the urge to
stop taking one's medications is a constant temptation and a fairly common complication.

Is it possible to get a copy of this segment on a DVD?

I think it could be very helpful to share this very informative discussion with others!

PLEASE..............how can I get a copy of today's show - I teach a high school class entitled Human Interaction and many of my students have asked me about Bipolar Disorder. This would be a perfect show to use in class. I can use a VHS or DVD format. Thanks!

I'm thrilled about the show on Bipolar disorder! We need real images of mental illness, not the sensational stuff of hollywood.

When not one, but two, of my children were diagnosed with adolescent-onset bipolar disorder, my mind ran through all the "images of crazy" the media had fed me. I saw Margot Kidder, naked and shorn, in the bushes of an LA suburb. I saw Jack Nicholson, first in a cuckoo's nest and then shouting "Redrum." I saw sad faces and damaged bodies in "Girl, Interrupted" and grew ever more frightened.

I knew not then that my reality, my children's illnesses, would deliver even more frightening and horrifying scenes.

Bipolar Disorder changed my life.

I've lived and learned through cut wrists, overdoses, wee-hour 450 mile road trips, and hallucinations of black men emerging from a child's lily-white leg.

I've lived and learned through mental ward stays, friend's revulsion, years of keeping secrets, and the freedom of telling the truth.

I've learned that mental illness affects one in five and that silence on the subject kills, pure and simple.

I've written a book and I'm on a crusade to change the lives of the 40 million Americans diagnosed with mental illness and the millions of others who love them. We must join our voices together and spread the news that mental illness is treatable and that life is worth joyfully living!

If anyone finds out how to get a copy of this show, would you please email me at ginAsian@yahoo.com I have tried finding information in Hongul ( Korean Language) in regards to Bipolar Disorder.My mother is Korean. I believe this will help her understand about my disorder better than myself trying to explain it to her. I would like to sit down and watch this episode with her...........Thanks...

You sound very educated on this matter. Do you know if there is a website that goes more in detail about the signs of this. I seriously think my husband is suffering from this. He can just go off for very little reason, yelling and cussing and throwing stuff and breaking things. He will spend money like crazy and he is very controlling. Please give me some advice.

Thank you
Tina

I have a 16 year old daughter who has been hospitalized twice for depression and thoughts of suicide. She reports that she related to a videotape she watched on bipolar disorder. She has not been on any medications and is presently in counsling. She functions like a very typical teenager ( sports, friends etc.) so I truly do not know whether this is just the beginning of long term mental health issues, if she is truly bipolar or if she is a typical teenager dealing with some challenges ( a divorce, academic stress). I do not know what we need to do.

The show today was wonderful and done in great taste and sensitivity. Bipolar disorder has touched my life since I was seventeen when I married. During our marriage, my husband was not diagnosed. At the time, I didn't know what was going on when he started having symptoms, but he behaved alot like Maurice. He was on medication for a very short amount of time, but took himself off of it. He was violent, abusive, depressed, manic and grandiose at various times. His father and grandfather both committed suicide and he also threatened many times to do it. I tried helping him for almost twenty years, but to no avail. I spoke to his family to try to get them to help, but they were not receptive. He had the typical symptoms and eventually left me for another woman. Nine years after our divorce, my ex-husband followed through with his threats and committed suicide. I was devastated. So were our children. I was told sometime after his suicide that he was diagnosed as being bipolar. I was also told that he was very unhappy, aggressive, dark, abused alcohol and possibly drugs. We have a son that was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after their father left the marriage/family. Our son is on medication and does relatively well. He is married and has a child. To those suffering from this disorder - I know it is a struggle, but you have to fight for yourself to be as healthy as you can be with your illness. I have lived this struggle with my ex and son for many years. I don't want suicide to happen again in my family or any other family. Get help. The family left behind continues to suffer with the loss in many ways. Families of those with bipolar disorder - pray, read, understand, love, support and forgive them. Realize that just as nobody asks for cancer, high blood pressure or any other disease, your loved ones did not ask for this either.

Today I watched the show and cried and cried ...You see Im 17 and have been suffering from bipolar since the age of 12 and watching the show today made me a little scared yet helpful you see I have so many ups and downs and recently within the last 6 months have gained a anger/rage issue and the littlist things set me off.. I just started medication oh 2 and a half weeks ago and I have a 1 year old son who is my world. I just am confused about my life in genral im not in school I was working but with my bipolar I ended up quiting and now I do nothing but dwell on when im gonna freak out next or be gone and noone know where I am and its all so scary being young and all...but thats one thing that also I think the younger teens who may have bipolar are looked over until around 17 18... I was a 12 year old innocent girl and within in 3 months doing drugs cocaine weed drinking having sex and it all came tumbling down and since then I have gone up and down and I finaly got so tired of it and still am and I just want people out there to know that some of these young teens who have some rediculious rebelious behavior may not be just a rebelious teen they might be suffering from bipolar.. now not until recently have I actually gotten help I had to go through hospitals and doctors who were just down right wrong but I thank oprah so much for making this known it really is a horrible disorder that ruins live but there is help and I just pray that I can get the right help and that younger and older people who suffer get the right help as well.

Becky

THANK YOU OPRAH FOR SHEDDING LIGHT ON THIS DEBILITATING and HORRIBLE ILLNESS. NOBODY WANTS TO BE BORN OR END UP WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER!!! NOBODY CAN BE EXPECTED TO MAKE LOGICAL DECISIONS, GET HELP, RECOGNIZE THEIR ILLNESS AND GET WELL WITHOUT HELP FROM HEALTHY LOVE ONES WHEN THEIR BRAIN IS NOT WORKING RIGHT!!!! THIS STORY OF A WOMAN IN PRISON FOR A CRIME COMMITTED BY HER SICK BRAIN, THAT WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN COMMITED BY HER HEALTHY BRAIN, IS SO VERY SAD FOR HER AND HER ENTIRE FAMILY AND FRIENDS! When will society stop blaming sick people and start guiding, supporting, and encouraging them to get help. BE A TEAM WITH MENTALLY ILL FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND SEE THEM THROUGH UNTIL THEY ARE WELL! It is everyone's responsibility, not just the sick, irrational person to avoid danger and harm! Just as a parent needs to protect a 2 year old child from a camp fire's flames, we must watchover our mentally ill loved ones who are going through tough times and not walk away. THAT'S WHAT LOVE IS! From my 13 years of personal experience with Bipolar Disorder -- which has included 7 doctors, 26 medications, 2-3 hours per day, almost everyday, of Internet reasearch and reading about mental illness, and incredible support from family and friends --- this illness can be deadly if untreated and completely kept at bay if treated well. I am able to live a "normal" life due to the incredible health care and unending support I receive and effort I put into taking care of myself. It is an everyday commitment to a lifestyle that accounts for the illness, similar to the way a diabetic must account for their illness. The unfortunate part is the prejugdice and blame that still exists, causing so much guilt to go along with living with this condition, or any mental illness, unlike physical disabilities! Without an understanding support system, including lots of hugs and constant calls and encouraging emails, I wouldn't be alive to write this note today.