How would I go about doing this?

mikey_boi

Hi, my name is Mike and I'm autistic. I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how to ask my dad if he has bipolar disorder so that he can help me get referred for a bipolar diagnosis as well? Me and my partner are fairly certain that I have it, it's just making me feel crazy not having a definite answer to my switches in energy and mood.
I'm not sure what tags to use, I'm sorry if they're inaccurate.

Sian321

Hey @mikey_boi , thank you so much for this post and for opening up about this. Coping with mood switches sounds really draining, and you're doing so well to be reaching out for help. I wonder, how do you imagine your dad might react if you were to ask him about this? What do you really want him to know and understand about what you're going through?

Sometimes when we're trying to approach a conversation that feels high-stakes, it can be helpful to write our thoughts down so that we have something to refer to if we feel overwhelmed at any point. In an ideal world, what would you like that conversation with your dad to look like, e.g. face to face, via the phone / text, talking 1:1 or with your partner there too?

We're here with you to listen and in the meantime please find below some services which may be able to support you:

One option is Bipolar UK which is dedicated to empowering individuals and families affected by bipolar. They have a range of peer support groups which are currently operating via Zoom, a moderated online community, one-to-one peer support provided via telephone and email and a range of information and resources on their website at https://www.bipolaruk.org/ You can arrange a call from a trained volunteer on their website, selecting a date and time that works for you.

If you're in Northern Irelvnd - Aware is a charity supporting people in Northern Ireland with depression and bipolar disorder. They have support groups across the country which are run by trained volunteers. Their peer led support can help you to understand your illness, allow you to speak freely about how you are feeling and allow you to feel less alone. They also offer the support groups online. They have wellbeing programmes including one aimed at 14-18 year olds to help you maintain good mental health and build resilience. Their website is https://aware-ni.org/

Spark is an online support group where members can connect in with others about their mental health. This includes depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, EUPD, anything - Spark is there for you. The support group involves peer-support, so you can support other people as well as be supported yourself. The group is a “closed” Facebook group – meaning that it doesn’t show on your profile at all, and no-one outside the group can see anything you post – they can’t even see that you’re a member from your profile. The page is also monitored and has guidelines there to keep you safe. To find out more, their website is https://www.sparksupport.co.uk/

There is an organisation called Mood Swings Network which provides information, advice and support for people whose lives are affected by mood disorders or emotional distress. They also offer support for carers of people with mood disorders. You can contact their helpline Monday to Friday 10am-4pm. Their number is 0161 832 3736. You can also visit their website at www.moodswings.org.uk or send them an email at info@moodswings.org.uk.

How do those options sound for you?

mikey_boi

@Sian321 I fine asking him in person or over text, I just don't know how to phrase it and I don't really want my mum to hear because she's a very holistic person

Sian321

@mikey_boi , that is very fair, and thank you for sharing this!

That sounds positive that you already know you'd be okay having this conversation both via text or over the phone.

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice on how to ask my dad if he has bipolar disorder so that he can help me get referred for a bipolar diagnosis as well?

Just to clarify, am I right in understanding that you feel your father has bipolar as well potentially?

I wonder if using some of the same language in this boards post might be helpful, e.g. sharing with him some of the day-to-day symptoms you notice yourself going through, how this impacts you emotionally, and sharing that all of this leaves you wondering if you are experiencing bipolar.

No matter what you decide, we're here to support you!

mikey_boi

@Sian321 yes he might have bipolar disorder. I remember him acting different during my childhood than he does now, and the only difference is a medication that he takes.
I'm planning on bringing this up in the conversation, possibly whilst we're in the car to one of the weekend activities that only use two do?