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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Erla on December 22, 2002, at 2:06:01
Hi
I realized lately that my 22-year daughter has probably cyclothymia. I can recognize very easily the symptoms and I don't know how to talk her to get help; I wonder if I should tell her what I am suspicious of or just convince her to go to a psychotherapist or psychiatric doctor?
It is very painful to see her wasting her great ability and talents by stopping again and again each new idea, academic studies, jobs, residencse, friends, lovers, hobbies etc. But besides all that I am in panic thinking that she is even in danger because she is not careful regarding her sexual life (no condoms etc.), she smokes grass and claims that it;s not dangerous at all, and lives alone while experiencing depressed cycles (lasting for a few days).
I am glad I found this site
Erla
Posted by Miller on December 22, 2002, at 10:22:32
In reply to Cyclothymia - getting my daughter to receive help, posted by Erla on December 22, 2002, at 2:06:01
Erla,
Definately talk with your daughter. As uncomfortable as it may be, she needs your help and understanding. I wish my mother would have taken such concern with my emotions and feelings.
One piece of advise I would have is to not judge her lifestyle when talking with her. She will get defensive and use that as an excuse as to why she shouldn't get help. If you feel as if you can't discuss it without being judgemental, maybe you could write a letter.
You obviously love her. Do your best to let her know. I hope everything works out well.
-Miller
Posted by Erla on December 22, 2002, at 11:13:01
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia - getting my daughter to receive help, posted by Miller on December 22, 2002, at 10:22:32
Thank you Miller for your fast response. My concern is about the damage I may cause if I will express our thoughts about Cyclomythia. It won’t be necessary if she will accept to go to the psychotherapist but if she wont accept, can it be of any damage to reveal our thoughts about it and maybe convince her using her understanding that she might be ill? She even might have read about it because she started psychology studies, was very successful, but left "because the lecturers are not teaching right". (sounds familiar?)Thanks so much
Erla
Posted by Dinah on December 22, 2002, at 13:30:15
In reply to Cyclothymia - getting my daughter to receive help, posted by Erla on December 22, 2002, at 2:06:01
If you can convince her to see a mental health practitioner, it might be very useful for her. I agree with Miller that you should try to be nonjudgmental and not try to say too much about disliking her lifestyle, as that is likely to just make her dig in her heels. And it's probably better to let the medical professional diagnose her. It's hard enough for them to make a correct diagnosis, and it would also come better from someone other than her mother.
But you have to recognize that there is only so much you can do for an adult child, or any other adult for that matter. Ultimately the decision has to be hers, and you have to accept that. You can grieve over the decisions she makes, but you can't change them.
I hope your daughter decides to do what is best for her, and I also hope you find some peace about it. If she isn't willing to get help or sees no need to get help, perhaps it would be helpful for you to see a therapist to deal with the pain of feeling powerless over her choices.
Posted by Erla on December 22, 2002, at 14:03:48
In reply to Re: Cyclothymia - getting my daughter to receive help » Erla, posted by Dinah on December 22, 2002, at 13:30:15
Yes Dinah and Miller, you are right about the effects of being judgmental.
Until a few days ago, when we spoke with a therapist and got to the painful understanding that she is Cyclothymic, we did judge her lifestyle and urged her to use her great potency, but certainly not any more.
By the way, she is writing all the time (beautiful poetry and kind of thoughts) – is it typical too?
Thanks for your help
Erla
This is the end of the thread.
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