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Is it positive for children to know that one of their parents has bipolar disorder, or is it better to hide it?

Raquel Rivero Corihuela
Raquel Rivero Corihuela
Clinical psychologist at the Bipolar Disorder Unit (UBIP) of the Nuestra Señora de La Paz Clinic in Madrid
Orden Hospitalaria de San Juan de Dios. Provincia de España

This is a very personal matter, and each family reacts differently, according to their own perspective. But, in general, my professional advice is that this diagnosis (like any other) should be communicated to the children, not only because of the genetic component it carries, but also because there will be times when the affected parent is experiencing symptoms or is hospitalized, and the child won't understand what's happening. In general, these kinds of secrets always affect family dynamics in the long run, so it's best to talk about it. And when doing so, the most important thing is to find the right moment and adapt what is said and how it is said to the child's age, giving them space to ask whatever they need and leaving the lines of communication open so they can ask questions later.

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Raquel Rivero Corihuela
Raquel Rivero Corihuela
Clinical psychologist at the Bipolar Disorder Unit (UBIP) of the Nuestra Señora de La Paz Clinic in Madrid
Orden Hospitalaria de San Juan de Dios. Provincia de España
Guadalupe Morales Cano
Guadalupe Morales Cano
Director
Fundación Mundo Bipolar