My daughter and BP,
My daughter was diagnosed w/BP at age 8 and now she is 14. We are struggling w/placing her in a facility that will help her reign in her anger and learn how to deal with lifes troubles. I am very concerned that she is getting so angry that she might hurt herself or other family members. We love her dearly and I want her to live a happy and gratifing life, she hates this disorder and obviously would rather not have it. I am searching for the best solution and something that is close to where we live, unfortunately we have not been able to find anything close to our area. We live in NC but almost on the state line to VA. If anyone hase any ideas or suggestions we would love to hear from you.
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Just this year, I was diagnosed with Bipolar I and Borderline Personality Disorder(BPD). I live in TN and the mental health facility I go to offers a type of therapy called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which I have been going to since my diagnosis. DBT was developed specifically for people with Borderline Personality Disorder(BPD), however it has been found to be very successful in treating many other disorders, including Bipolar. DBT works best when individual therapy is combined with group therapy. If possible, you should have both elements, but if you have to give up one of them, give up the individual therapy because the group component more closely resembles a real world environment and makes it easier to test and practice the skills taught in the group. There is usually a diary which the person keeps on a daily basis. The diary is actually a card or form with spaces for the person in therapy to record certain things as they pertain to them. We learn, practice, and discuss coping skills and strategies to help us get through times of crisis or distress (because not everything is a crisis).
I can't and won't advise you about medication, but I can tell you that DBT has been extremely helpful to me since I've been in it. It has helped me to recognize and be aware of my emotions, especially anger. I think that the most important lesson I've learned in that area is that getting angry is ALWAYS a choice. No one can MAKE me angry without my permission, and by giving anyone that permission I am giving away some of my power and self-control. Another thing that I have learned is a thing called mindfulness. Very simply, all that means is being aware of my thoughts and emotions and how they effect one another in any given moment - good or bad.
I don't think that DBT is too difficult for a 14 year old, but I'm really not qualified to make that judgement. I know that it has really helped me, and I truly believe that anyone can benefit from it.
I hope that I've been helpful. Best of luck to you, your daughter, and your family.
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