Dear Miss Positive,

I hope it is ok if I jump into the conversation here.

I am up late and doing some google research for NSW.

Bipolar exists all over the world. The World Health Organization does periodic studies on the numbers of people dealing with this in various countries / continents.

Here is a bipolar web site for New South Wales, Australia:
~ http://www.bipolar.com.au/support/

~ Also google "SANE Australia."

~ Also google "The Black Dog Institute."

~ Here is a psychiatrist I found at Prince of Wales Hospital who specializes in Mood Disorders:


This site has lots of Australian links.
I hope that you can find a few that are very helpful:

~ http://www.allenandunwin.com/livingw...resources.html
Living With Bipolar: USEFUL ORGANISATIONS, WEBSITES AND BOOKS


Here is one from the above site that looks particularly useful:
~ Kids Helpline www.kidshelpline.com.au

In the US -- as you can see from Bobi's amazing story -- psychiatrists are slow to diagnose childhood bipolar.
I don't know what it is like in NSW, but certainly you can find 1) people who share your situation and are willing to offer support, and 2) psychiatrists who can treat childhood bipolar.

I wish you luck in your journey for treatment.

Please know that treatment works. The hard part of bipolar -- as you might already know -- is getting the diagnosis. Once you get the diagnosis, you are most of the way to your son's path to wellness.

Please remember to seek support for yourself.
I have no children and have no idea how it would feel to go through what you describe.
But I do want to wish you well as move you along your own path to healing as you find effective treatment for your son.

Mari