Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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violent rages on your kids

cb72
cb72
No, it's not meant to be funny, I've really experienced this. My daughter bit into the toothbrush (gee... what transgression) and I was overwhelmed with blinding rage. Well, not totally blinding, cause I saw my hands reach for my daughter's throat, just in time to stop them. Ahem.

This was when I was undermedicated, obviously. I don't see myself having this problem again, but it bugs me. I tried talking to my psychiatrist about it, but in a very circumspect way, for I don't want her to think that I'm putting my child in any kind of danger. But, duh, she won't talk about it without more detail.

I believe in telling your pdoc all your symptoms, and I do believe they've seen it all, but I'm a little hesitant on this. On the other hand, I'm sure other people experience this. My own mother told me of the time when she started pulling a kitchen knife on me, but luckily caught herself before doing anything too bad. There must be more than just the two of us?

I'm NOT asking you folks if I should or should not tell my pdoc exactly what bothers me. I AM asking you if you ever experienced this and what you did about it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
When I rage, I rage at my adult children. Doesn't happen often, but is nasty when it does. Telling the docs everything is a good idea--sometimes therapy can make life so much better for you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would tell the pdoc exactly how it went down. But maybe the your losing you cool and getting into a rage way to quick or something. Just not the whole of it. You reconize the extent of the problem and thats the good thing. I can fly of the handle at my son 18 or daughter 10 and instantly realize when its me or really them. They know when to leave me alone.My daughter tends to push my buttons further somedays,just because she refuses to ignore the warning signs. That includes me telling her I can't take anymore,lol Gotta love them Girls :) I yell or scream and then she backs off,then I feel horrible. GUILT Goodluck Hon Prayers are with you :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
I meant I wouldn't tell Pdoc just how it went down. Whew, me and my freakin typing
deleted_user
deleted_user
The one and only time I went into a rage I broke paintings and knocked over my china hutch. I really scared my daughter. I told my pdoc and he refused to sign a letter saying that I should get my daughter back.
dobiedots
dobiedots
Well, I don't have kids but I did experience it w/my then soon to be ex-husband. I pulled a huge knife on him. Unfortunately, he was able to get it away from me.
cb72
cb72
:)) dobiedots
dobiedots
dobiedots
I ended up getting my hands all cut up and swallowed a bottle of pills. It was not a good evening.
cb72
cb72
I'm sorry I was making light of it.
dobiedots
dobiedots
So was I!!! It's ok, it's all funny now! If I hadn't ended up in ICU I never would have met my therapist who was a godsend!!
cb72
cb72
Hi guys... My next appt is not until Thursday (7/31). I'll keep checking the thread, so keep posting. Thanks!
cb72
cb72
bump
deleted_user
deleted_user
I love the honesty of DS, you guys are really great. I have felt extreme rage with my children, but I wouldn't say violent, but I'm afraid to will go that way. As soon as I feel anything in that direction I start spending alot of time alone.

I didn't know that lots of beepers were child abusers, but it makes alot of sence in my families history.

Great thread cb, Good luck with your Pdoc!
roseypeach
roseypeach
Back when my kids were little, I hardly ever went into rages. Now when they got a little older, like say, tweens, I felt myself become very agitated and I actually lost control a few times. Luckily, I regained my composure, but I found that avoiding them when I felt that way, or simply telling them "this isn't a good time". They knew to back off then.
roseypeach
roseypeach
TO add, my aunt knocked her son out cold in the kitchen floor with a lead pipe because he got on her nerves.

I've never done anything like that!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Honestly, this made my jaw drop. I don't experience rages at all and I could never ever imagine even thinking of hurting my son. Personally, if my disorders made me think my child would be in danger I would not be alone with them. In an extreme case, I'd separate from my husband (for the kids, obviously) so that we could live in different houses and have supervised visitation. That's just me, personally, of course. I can't imagine what it's like to have rages like some other people with bipolar.

If I were you, I'd push my doc to talk about it more in depth. It's really scary thing, thinking your child might get hurt or end up dead. Terrifying. Also, do you have someone to help you? If you're married, maybe have your spouse take on more of the responsibilities with the kids.