Being threatened for mental health

[Miss_Quirky]

I got diagnosed as rapid cycling bipolar 1 five weeks ago...I am now on medication and completely stable, but FOB sometimes threatens trying to take LO cause of my mental health so "no jury would give you him cause you are fucking nuts" thanks -.-

He only does it when he is angry but it is REALLY upsetting. Anyone else have this happen?

 

[whatwillbe]

I dont have bipolar but suffer from depression, its been quite bad through out this pregnancy, and before i got pregnant had quite a few ups and downs but my kids were looked after and that is the main thing, you are not nuts! And you've only just been diagnosed, which is a good thing as you can now get the help / support you need to stay well, and as long as you continue your treatment you will be a great mom too, unfortunatly there is alot of stigma attached to mental health issues and a bitter ex will use what they can against you, but he has no grounds to stand on where custody comes in to it, you will be fine x

 

[emeraldbaby]

I disagree with the previous poster... if a parents mental health impacts on caring for the child, or exposes the child to negative things then they can definitely lose custody. However , if you are stable and providing a safe, healthy environment than there is no issue and you don't need to worry. Good on you for getting medical assistance!

 

[Miss_Quirky]

Luckily I am very stable now. I have a job, am going to therapy and BP treatment regularly, I am currently looking for an apartment, but it still worries me that he brings that up
I don't think it WILL become a problem, but it hurts being told that especially after everything he knows I've gone through with it. I am trying to do the best I can to be healthy for my boy.

 

[emeraldbaby]

In the heat of the moment people say a lot of hurtful things, it probably won't ever be a issue. But the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your sons future is continue with the all the therapy and do plenty of things (activities with your son) that give evidence of your capabilities and devotion as a mother and keep a diary of them. If ever you need to fight over custody in the future you will have secured yourself a better chance.

 

[Calambria]

Actually, being ON medication/therapy for your condition works out in your favor in the courts. It's proactive. Having a mental health condition is not reason enough to have custody yanked out from beneath you. If you prove to be a danger to your child, then it changes.

 

[fl00b]

as long as you can prove that you've admitted you think you've got a mental health issue to a practitioner (which you obv have cos you've been to the doctor and he's diagnosed you) and you can prove you've made yourself stable (again, which you have via the medication) and that you're in no way causing your child harm then he hasn't got a fucking leg to stand on. REALLY makes me mad when men use this as an excuse. you're a great mother with a beautiful boy - who needs him!

 

[Mamof1]

I have Bipolar. Please dont worry about people saying things like that. They will not take your LO, if you were to have a episode the first port of call would be a family member, or even a unit that cares for you and the LO. Those kind of statements are absurd. If your worried about it ask your psyciatrist of you can make an advanced statment. Outlining what you would like to do if you had a severe episode regarding childcare etc.

Well done you for seeking help! xxxx