My Daughter is about to turn 15. We started looking for answers when she was 10/11. School became almost impossible for. At first we thougth she was playing games. But when I allowed the Truancy/Police come to the house to get her to go to school and she didn't budge: I knew something was going on and it was real. The first Doctor didn't agree with me and decided Megs was full of it and playing games. The school councelor agreed with me. So we kept up the search for what was going on. Her moods were all over the place. School was taught at home for most of 6th, 7th and 8th grade. It wasn't until an attempt on her own life that doctors took notice. They didn't get her. She seem a generally pleasant child, seemed outgoing and confident, she had friends but she just didn't want to go to school. They were so Wrong, and I knew it. My child had changed in a big way. What she was going through was not your average "growing pains"! After we moved closer to the City and settled in it became even more apparent that Someting had to be done. I can't say I was relieved with the diagnosis but now there was an answer. Now we could try and find the best treatment possible. It only took 3 years. but that really isn't that unusual. I guess because she didn't "act" bad enough they didn't think it could be possible. How dumb is that. These Children and teens have an array of symptoms and some are worse or not as bad as others. So many different variations of Bi polar. I knew it wouldn't be easy for her...But I hope and pray every day that she will be able to have all the right tools in order to live life to the best of her ability. She has had 3 hospital stays in the last 2 years, Sees here therapist regualarly along with the shrink and the school is helping her to get into the High School full time. (she goes to 2 different schools). Right now things are going good. I know it could change in an instant and our struggles are not over but it's good to know that there can be times when things are ok and filled with hope. So right now it's good. It seemed it would never at least be ok....but for now it is. Lori T.