Can I lose custody of my child for being bipolar?
Can I lose custody of my child for being bipolar?
A diagnosis alone cannot cause you to lose custody of your child. Plenty of adults with mental health issues can be safe and attentive parents. For example, if a parent is managing their bipolar symptoms in therapy and has no history of abusive behavior, then a judge is unlikely to deny them custody.
What makes a mother unfit legally?
What exactly is an unfit parent? The legal definition of an unfit parent is when the parent through their conduct fails to provide proper guidance, care, or support. Also, if there is abuse, neglect, or substance abuse issues, that parent will be deemed unfit.
How does mental illness affect child custody?
For example, if a parent isn’t able to maintain a stable living situation because of mental health issues, it’s unlikely a judge will grant him or her physical custody. Or, if a parent can’t make proper life decisions because of mental illness, it could be difficult for him or her to get legal custody.
Can a bipolar person be a good parent?
You can still be a great parent, despite bipolar disorder — and you may find that you’re even more motivated to keep yourself healthy. Being bipolar doesn’t have to end your dream of becoming a parent.
Is bipolar inherited from the mother or father?
Bipolar disorder may also be genetic or inherited. However, it will usually not be passed to children. About one in 10 children of a parent with bipolar disorder will develop the illness.
Can a bipolar person truly love?
“People with bipolar disorder are entitled to the human experiences that anybody else could have—like falling in love,” says David H. Brendel, MD, PhD, medical director of the Mood Disorders Program at Walden Behavioral Care in Massachusetts.
Are people born bipolar?
Bipolar disorder often runs in families, and research suggests that this is mostly explained by heredity—people with certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others. Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the disorder. But genes are not the only factor.
What are the 4 types of bipolar?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, there are four major categories of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder due to another medical or substance abuse disorder.
What triggers a bipolar episode?
Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder. Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event. Drug or alcohol abuse.
