Long time readers of this blog know that Ricki has always had a very independent and sassy personality. But up until about a year ago (or less?) we were able to use positive behavior modification with her pretty successfully. Yes, she kept us on our toes, but she realized that there are rules and cooperated when it was in her best interests to do so.
Than she slowly started slipping into a “mode” where parental authority did not exist, and she began using violence at a pretty high rate. I tried revamping my behavior plans, but to little avail. Finally several weeks ago I had to admit that all the good educational methods in the world were NOT helping, and she was completely out of control.
A child (or young adult for that matter) who is out of control is not pleasant to be around. And I realized very quickly that all of Ricki’s tremendous accomplishments in her studies over the years will be of no avail to her if people can’t stand to be around her, and are afraid of her.
Finally, about two weeks ago we started a psychiatric medicine with her, in a small dose. Almost immediately I noticed that her belligerency was MUCH lower. She even started making positive comments, offered to help here and there…
In short, my daughter has resurfaced from the terrible black cloud she was living in.
You need to know. Sometimes medication is necessary for the child’s own good……(Although FIRST there are many many other things to try….)
4 comments:
Yes, yes it is. I'm glad you are seeing positive results.
I do agree that medication are necessary sometimes...they are necessary for me as I am bipolar. I take an anti-depressant and an anti-psychotic medication. They work wonders for me. If it weren't for these medications, I would be living on the streets and unable to remain stable and be in and out of group homes and homeless shelters as well as the psychiatric ward. They help keep me stable. I used to be not medication-compliant, and that was NOT pretty. I would get in trouble with the law and stuff. One day I woke up and decided that if I wanted to lead a stable life, I would have to stay on the medications no matter what, and it was the best decision I have ever made, and I've been stable since 2005. I was diagnosed as bipolar when I was 17. I am 30 now and doing quite well. I am glad your daughter responded to her new medication well and doing better. :)
Good for you, Lucia! I have someone I know who is only now after several years, taking medication for their bi-polar. Before then, as you so aptly described, it "wasn't pretty"
Completely agree, and so very glad that the first one you tried seems to be making a difference. It's such a relief when that happens, I know!
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