Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 7/11/2006

Question
I am a 35 year old daughter of a bipolar father. I experienced my first major depression in my early 20's after a major car accident. After recovering from the accident I experienced many cycles of mania and depression which wreaked havoc on my academic life (college) as well as all relationships. My only guess as to what was wrong with me was depression. At the time I had no idea what bipolar meant or even that it existed. Through the years of reading and searching for answers to mine and my father's odd unpredictable behavior I finally realized that we both are bipolar. My father is undiagnosed and has never received any treatment. He is in a manic cycle right now after being in a depression for almost 3 years. I have been on prozac for about 7 years and have done very well on it. My dosage had to be increased from 20mg to 40mg here recently. I sometimes wonder if I need an additional medicine b/c some days it is so hard for me to accomplish even the smallest of tasks. I am a stay at home mom of two children, Matt- 4 years old and Emily- 1 year. I am writing to you b/c I am planning on homeschooling my 4 year old son and have concerns about my ability due to my disorder. My husband also has his own doubts regarding my ability due to my disorder. This is really important to me and I really want to be successful at homeschooling my child. Do you think I need a med in addition to my prozac? Some days, like today, I have so many things I need to do and want to do but just cannot get up enough energy to get anything accomplished. I just want to lie down and take a nap right now.  I love my family and my children very much and that is why I am writing to you. I want to be the best I can be for them and for me. Do you think I will be able to homeschool my son successfully? Thank you for your insight and advice.

Answer
Hi Gale:

I can understand your concerns completely, and those of your husband.  A person with bipolar disorder can homeschool their children quite well--provided they are stable themselves.

It appears you are still having some issues with your mood stability.  This does not mean you will have to give up the idea of homeschooling.  What it means is you need to get some things in place first.

Make an appointment with your psychiatrist and discuss the possibility of a mood stabilizer.  Let him know of the days you can't function well and see what his opinion is--then follow the medical advice he/she gives.

Once your moods have stabilized and you can go at least six months with no days when it is nearly impossible to function, then you will be at a point where homeschooling can be considered an option.

Homeschooling is very stressful. I currently homeschool, but would not consider it if my moods were not stabilized--it is too hard emotionally for both you and your child.

Your son is still young enough where you have time to first get your moods under control and then I'd say go for the homeschooling.
                            Joyce A. Anthony