I find it personally insulting that readers are finding my blog by searching should bipolar people have children and it is people like you that allow the stigma of mental illness to carry on. I am a bipolar person and I assure you we make great parents.
Bipolar people are not different to the next person and they are just as able to love, care and devote their lives to having a child.
It may well be that bipolar parents take medication or have therapy, but I believe the world would be a better place if each individual, with our without a mental health issue had a therapist, we all need support and advice at some time in our lives.
I am bipolar; I was diagnosed in November 2010 when I was four months pregnant with my sixth child. I have lived a relatively normal life, despite being bipolar and if anything I thank my illness for being as successful as I have been in my career choices.
Should Bipolar People Have Children?
Bipolar along with many mental health issues is widely misunderstood, these days bipolar does not make you a freak. There are a wide variety of medications and therapies that allow a bipolar person to be just as able as anyone else.
I agree without medication and therapy that has been recommended, bipolar can have a deteriorating effect upon that person’s life. They become a risk to themselves and a possible risk to others. Bipolar parents do need added and extra support, from health professionals, family and friends.
With a good solid foundation of support, a bipolar person can grow and flourish, and become a great parent.
I am the first to recognise that if I need support or notice that my bipolar is not being controlled as well as it should be, that I need to speak out. It is part of being a responsible bipolar parent that we learn what triggers us and when placed in stressful situations we have back up plans readily available.
There is no reason why a bipolar parent should ever be frowned upon, we make just a good as parent as anyone else.
Should Bipolar People Have Children? What Are Your Views…
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Emma i think you prove to people all over the country that you can be a great mum while having bipolar xx
Yes they should!!!! xxx
It’s single minded ppl that think that, you prove that if you have bipolar or not you can be a great mum xx
Having bi-polar disorder does not mean one is unfit to be a mother. This disorder may be treated with medication and therapy, and therefore, people suffering with bipolar can be great parents, just like anybody else!
Very well said, I totally agree
My aunt has bipolar, she has always been a great mum to her four children and on top of that was even accepted to adopt a child long after her diagnosis and after her divorce. Would this question even be asked to someone with a physical rather than a mental illness?
Thank you so much for your comment exactly just because its a mental illness we are quizzed …
Emma you are a brilliant Mum and i honestly believe part of that is down to your bipolar. you dont take anything or anyone for granted xx
Just because someone has bipolar doesnt mean they shouldnt have children or are bad parents, and you are living proof of that hunni x x
Absolutely wonderful post!
I am bipolar and when I tell my friends and family that we would definitely consider another they gasp…like “How dare you”…why not? I have already raised a beautiful healthy boy who just started school.
Just becuase I have bipolar disorder doesn’t mean I am bipolar disorder. I go to therapy and take my medications.
We are just like everyone else.
Hey Kimberley lovely to see you here, we make fab mums just like any other x Another bipolar mum showing we should not be judged and its stigma and non understanding of mental health that makes others ask these questions.
Well, no I didn’t find the blog by searching for this and of course it’s a valid question for people who are bipolar and are thinking about parenting
- I like reading about a number of topics which I find here, some are more difficult than others – and was hoping to find something supportive for my friends who are parents and bipolar. Thanks for addressing the topic and look forward to hearing more.
Having an illness doesn’t make someone a bad parent. You’ve proved a bi polar parent is as good as any other! Xx
Of course why should they be singled out just cause they have an illness x
Of course! Bipolar does not mean that you are any less capable of being a great parent… your a great example Emma
No one has the right to tell another person to have or not to have children. Wether you be bipolar or any other mental or pysical condition its your choice and no one elses! Emma your a great mum and a true role model xx
yes they shud!!!!
noone has the ryt to say other wise!
emma u r a great mum and friend
u r a great role model
Yes and No. ONLY IF THE PARENT IS TAKING MEDICATION. It sounds so nice to think every mom will have family support and faithfully take their medicine, sadly not every woman is like this. My mother raised me as a single mother with bi polar disorder. The only family we had was my grandma. When I was 6 my grandma passed away. When I was 7 once or twice a year my mom would have sever nervou brake down lasting one or two weeks until I had to run and call the police. I would then stay at a family friends house until my mom was released from the hospital( 3 days to three weeks). Then I’d go home and have to go through this again several months later. I’d have to go to school every day as if evertthing was normal while I was worried about my mom at home (she would scream at her self, break windows, foam at the mouth, etc). This went on until I was 12 and put in foster care I lived with three different families in a year span. My mom decided then to take her medication to get me back home. She did a year later and stopped taking her medicine. Life was great for about two years then the break downs started again and I had to continue to call the cops because it was too severe for her . On one occasion she pushed me and I flew about 6 feet because I begged her to take her medicine. On another occasion when I was about 10, she got completely naked and swung on a tree outside, I had to call the police as well as neighbors. I am now 22 and my relationship with my mom is terrible. She has tried to sabotage me in more ways than one, I really don’t think she wants me to be successful as an adult. I completely blame this behavior on her bi polar because the few times she has been medicated she’s a whole different wonderful person. If a parent is on medication and has the support than I absolutely agree you can have as many children as you can want and can afford but if a parent thinks they don’t have a problems or doesn’t need the medication when you clearly do the please don’t have a child until you are stabilized on medication.
This is like asking whether having no legs makes it less easy to walk. It’s nice that you have come to your own conclusions, and I did in fact find your blog searching for whether bipolar people should have children. Making a responsible decision to not have kids based on your lack of stability is perfectly reasonable. I don’t think I’m a bad person for choosing to not put a child through what I can barely get through myself sometimes. Ta for making me feel bad about it,though.