Thank you for posting this. I thought it was really well done. Like the mom in the story, I often find myself doubting the diagnosis and the medications at times. But then when I read about symptom presentation, especially with mania, I realize that yes, indeed, my difficult child 2 truly does have BiPolar (BP). Perhaps not as severe as some, but the symptoms are there nonetheless. The term "Manic May" or "May Mania" hit home for me because the last TWO Mays have seen difficult child 2 beginning a manic period that lasts much of the summer. And even on the new medications he has now, I still see it breaking through. The flamboyance, the approaching strangers to just talk and talk and talk to them, the racing thoughts, the pressured speech. It's still there bubbling under the surface. Most people only see bits and pieces of this in him and so they cannot put it all together and understand what's really going on. In and of themselves, these behaviors could be called impulsive, attention-seeking, hyperactive, rude, obnoxious, etc. When you put them all together, it's mental illness.
I feel fortunate in that we are largely able to control difficult child 2 ourselves so far. He is not hostile towards us, although he can be towards siblings or other kids. I pray we never get to the point where we have to consider Residential Treatment Center (RTC) or some other therapeutic placement as some of you here have had to do. My heart goes out to you.
I recognize, though, that this illness may continue to change for us. Which way it goes, only time will tell. I'm just so grateful for this place and all of you here to be with me on this journey.