Taz has been relatively stable on his current med combo. Then the past couple days something inside him flipped.
He is WAY manic. But the main problem is how violent he's suddenly become.
Okay, he's always been aggressive. But normally (at least since starting meds) it has been half-hearted; meaning not much force beyond his swats and pushes. But yesterday...man! He was going for blood!
He was full force attacking Chica and me. It felt terrible for Chica. Every time he went near her she flinched. And when he hurt her she looked at me like why can't you stop him?
I tried. I tried and tried. But with two mobile children and one small house there is only so much one person can do. Aside from tethering one of them to me all day there are going to be opportunities for Taz to go after Chica. Pretty much every time he walked by her, any time she made a noise or even looked at him, he wanted to hurt her.
I think people don't really understand how hard it is to keep two kids apart. Especially when one of those kids (being a 1 yr old) doesn't understand to stay away from Taz. And Taz, who has bipolar, and doesn't want to stay away from Chica.
I tried using consequences to deter the behavior but when a bipolar child is unstable consequences don't do squat. I'm sure you know what I mean. Half of me feels sympathy for him because he probably feels really bad inside. And part of me is really angry at him for attempting to hurt a vulnerable innocent baby. I mean, that's my child he keeps attacking!
So. I'm not sure what to do as of now. I called pdoc and left a message. I emailed our psychologist to see if she had any ideas. I've heard that a lot of bipolar kids have seasonal effects, including becoming more manic in the spring. Maybe that's it?
Either way, I'm happy to have a break tomorrow. I'm working most of the day (I do per diem work some evenings and weekends) and Dh will be left to deal with it. Good luck honey!
I can relate to the escalating behavior. It's like they don't get the same "release" by kinda hurting someone, they need to increase their aggressiveness to help them. It seems the more comfortable they get with hurting you, the harder they strike. Enjoy your day off!
ReplyDeleteWe went through this as well, well we still do somedays. When Jada was really unstable, she would always go after Erin for anything. Of course, Erin is older than Chica is so she was able to understand that she couldn't be left alone in the same room with her. I know how heatbreaking it is. I am sorry you are dealing with this.
ReplyDeleteOh boy, this is way too familiar. My guy goes after his little brother way too often. All it takes is for the big guy to scream and the little one flinches in terror.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a tough spot. Hopefully you get a little respite when your hubby takes over.
I wonder if spring allergies could be playing a role? I have heard of people sometimes having a lock on the bedroom door for safety, when kids are too out of control - used only when absolutely neccessary and not as punishment, only for keeping everyone safe. Luckily my kids were never violent, only suicidal. Hope it eases soon.
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