Bipolar Adults and Parents of Bipolar Kids find online support

We are now accepting introductions for a new email list that will be available this week: BipolarHope@welovegod.org will be an online support resource for bipolar adults and parents of bipolar children and young adults. This list is separate from the other lists because of the extreme nature of the disorder. Members need to feel comfortable sharing their experiences knowing that other members will be supportive, not judgmental. Again, having experienced parents of bipolar children moderating this list provides most valuable wisdom. For more information, visit BipolarHope Email List

UniquelyMade@welovegod.org

Two of our parenting lists have been combined and expanded. The two Christian ADHD Parenting Lists, elem-adhd and highschool-adhd, were combined to become UniquelyMade@welovegod.org, an email list support group for parents of special needs children. Just as the ChristianADHD.com website has changed, so have our email lists. This list was designed for parents of special needs children ages preschool through 18 and up. For those just coming to this list, you have the benefit of Christian parents who have successfully raised their uniquely made children to adulthood. The wisdom they bring to those with younger children is invaluable. Get ready to be blessed! Visit Christian Special Needs Parenting List

Early Onset Bipolar Disorder is a controversial diagnosis. The DSM IV provides diagnostic criteria for Bipolar Disorder in adults but not in children. The symptoms of Early Onset Bipolar Disorder are different than adult bipolar disorder. Additionally, some children and adolescents may suffer from the milder form called Cyclothymic Disorder.

What is the difference between Bipolar Disorder and Cyclothymic Disorder? The severity of the mood swings.

How do you know if your child or teen is suffering from ADHD or Bipolar Disorder or Cyclothymia? Parents often begin to explore the possibility of Bipolar Disorder when their children rage, are destructive, and become out of control. The outbursts are not manageable and leave parents desperate for answers.

Mayo Clinic: Cyclothymic Disorder

Finding an Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist is integral to a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. Because there is a mental health crisis in the U.S. there are not enough Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists taking new patients. If you are in crisis and cannot find a psychiatrist who is taking new patients, it may be necessary to hospitalize your child in order to initiate treatment. Although this is a difficult decision to make, failure to treat bipolar disorder can result in life-threatening situations.

More information: Visit BPKids.org

The National Institute of Mental Health NIMH found that the development of certain areas of ADHD children’s brains was delayed by about three years.

Brain Matures a Few Years Late in ADHD

“Finding a normal pattern of cortex maturation, albeit delayed, in children with ADHD should be reassuring to families and could help to explain why many youth eventually seem to grow out of the disorder,” explained Philip Shaw, M.D., NIMH Child Psychiatry Branch, who led research team.

The Summer Reading Challenge has been prepared for yet another summer of fun and rewarding reading for your family. Recommended Reading Book Lists for different age groups are now available to help you find challenging books for your children this summer. Check out the Online Bookstore for great summer reading titles for your kids.

Have a great summer getting lots of fresh air and exercise as well as reading!

ADHD of the Christian Kind has supported and encouraged Christian parents and ADDults alike for over 10 years. The Lord is moving us to expand the support offered to include all mental health issues affecting Christians today.

Christian Kind will eventually meld into ChristianKind.org — website currently under construction.

In the meantime, behind the scenes there is prayer, fasting, article planning, email list expansion, and lots of discussion among the email list moderators and site contributors.

We ask for prayer during this summer as we work through growing pains.

We are currently accepting article submissions on depression, early onset bipolar disorder, adult bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Tourette’s Syndrome, and more all from a Christian perspective.

Article submissions can be sent through Christian Kind’s contact form: Contact Christian Kind.

Have a great summer!