Another strong recommendation: Check out the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (bpkids.org). As well as a wealth of info, you will be put in touch with the real experts - fellow parents.

Now for a declaration of interest: My bipolar did not manifest in full measure until early adulthood. Therefore, I do not have the insight of those who literally had their childhoods hijacked from them.

From what I understand, early-onset bipolar has a few more wrinkles than adult-onset bipolar. The experts are still coming to terms with this, but the best analogy seems to be that early-onset bipolar is to adult bipolar as juvenile diabetes is to adult diabetes.

What I did experience as a kid was depression, starting at around age 12. Not enough to attempt suicide and inflict self-harm like your boy, but certainly enough to rob me of a good chunk of my youth.

I also experienced what the experts call “prodromal” symptoms, the precursor to the illness. Kind of like feeling run-down and having a scratchy throat before a major cold strikes.

So, even though what I experienced as a kid pales in comparison to what your boy is going through, I can relate. Based on what I went through, I never want to see a kid suffer the way I did.

Where your boy is much luckier than me is that he has a mother who listens. Nothing against my mother. Back when I was growing up, no one believed that kids could experience depression, much less bipolar. So I was on my own.

So the prospects for your boy are much better than mine ever were. He has a mother who listens. And you have people who listen to you.

Yes, there are idiots out there, and you may go crazy banging your head against brick walls, fighting a system that seems designed to make sure your child fails.

From what I gather in your posts, you have experienced a taste of this, already.

But be assured. Attitudes are changing. We are getting smarter with our treatments and therapies. Educators are getting on board. You and your child have specific rights.

And there is a whole community of fellow parents you can draw strength from.
All the best to you and your family, Angela. You are not alone. You’ve made friends here. Keep checking in, and do keep us posted.