Replies to '09/28 Overmedicating America: The Cruise Controversy'

THis is a common misconception. 

Usually people who are on the outside looking inside have no idea what a child with bipolar goes through. You have to fully understand this disorder to understand that it HAS nothing to do with how I am raising my children. 

I have 2 children... one with bipolar and one without. They are raised with the same techniques. They are both disiplined for misbehaviors and rewarded for good behaviors. Both do not spend a whole lot of time in front of the tv.. actually my bipolar child watches tv maybe an hour a day and that is when she is in bed trying to fall asleep because she is afraid of the liitle boy and little girl she sees at night.  

I am Methodist and both my children are methodist. We do pray. Prayer will not cure a mental illness. 

Medication is not the ONLY answer. She has to take medications in combonation with CBT therapy weekly.  

Please do not tell me that you know the answer to my daughters mental illness is for me to "train her right" and pray. 

Walk in my shoes for a minute and maybe you will understand this is REAL! 

Thank you!  

I (my entire family) prayed to GOD for years before putting my son on meds. He is five years old, he has attempted to attack me with a knife numerous of times. (Yes, even after putting them out of his reach) He would steal them. The breaking point was him attacking his 2 1/2 year old brother with a knife. I tried counseling (him and family) a head doctor (as I see them) wanted to put my child on meds since the first attack on me (him at age 3). I said no.   

God opened my eyes to meds when the option was meds or losing my other two kids. I chose meds and three boys. (my FAMILY) Now seeing him on Adderall 10 mg a day at age five lets me know that meds work for those that need it. He can think clearly, he is the same child but  with more self-control. 

I have raised my kids right (in CHURCH). I spend time  with my three children (6, 5,  and 2 1/2, all boys) weekends, holidays, etc. FULL-TIME MOM  

My children don't watch anything above a PG rating. (ANYWHERE)  

So can you tell me what else could I have done besides meds. Please? 

I pray alright!  I pray for sanity & I pray my 2 kids don't kill each other!  The doc says they have ADHD & BP.  They are on minimal meds already.  I don't wanna put them on any more but these kids aren't normal!  And Im not right so the doc says IM bp too.  If Im not then why can't I concentrate & who the hell is talking non stop in my head???  Im looking for help & answers not the magic pill!   

Help in PA