My son has bipolar disorder and I'm having a hard time with the school and other people. Because bipolar in early adolescence can be different than later bipolar onset, I find many people think he's just difficult. Even the so-called professionals at the school argue with me about his problems.

For those who don't know, bipolar in early adolescense doesn't always have the clear ups and downs of older onset. Plus the medications have previously only tested on adults so it can be a crap shoot there, too. It gets extremely frustrating to have to explain it over and over again.

You would think the school would have more experience with adolescent mental health issues and more knowledge but I'm finding that I usually have to clarify a lot of things with them. I've even had to bring literature to them to prove my points.

Anyone else in this situation with bipolar or other mood disorders?

Yes, I have issues personally, not my child. You don't say how old your child is, that may affect things.

The only thing I can really say is to support your child as best you can.

He's fifteen (in a few days). We've been through the mill with misdiagnoses before getting medications that actually have helped. The hardest part right now is convincing him to try. He has a very negative attitude because of his low self-esteem and his depression. I do have hopes that things are on the upswing, though. He actually is working on homework this week and talking to me about a paper he has to do. That's an encouraging sign.

Maybe you can look for some support groups online. I know of one site that deals with all family issues like this and others. When I find the link I will come back and post for you.

I would very much appreciate a link if you find it. I'll also do a google search for support groups. That's an excellent suggestion and one that I hadn't even thought about. Everyone is always giving advice or pointing out his/my faults but no one I know is experiencing this. I think talking to people who know exactly what I'm going through would be very helpful.