Hi, I am a mom of 8yo daughter diagnosed ADHD and mood disorder - her psychiatrist says bipolar every time we meet, but has mood disorder as official diagnosis.

Finding very little support online for this age group. Can us parents of littles band together and share tips on how to best help our kiddos and keep ourselves together at the same time?

In the past year, her rapid-cycling has really amped up, she’s had about 40 manic episodes over this time period while on Abilify, Concerta and Trazadone. The meds have scary side effects, but she truly can’t function w/o them. I’m just trying to get her through 4th grade.

Do you have any tips for de-escalation, safe restraint methods, how to keep yourself safe when being attacked?

Grateful for any feedback.