In summer of 2007 at our daughter's annual exam, we discussed some concerns with our pediatrician and asked for a psychiatric referral. At the time, we had a suspicion that perhaps she had ADHD, but due to family history, we also thought perhaps it was something else. We started the road of numerous calls to the insurance company and doctors' offices, trying to get an appointment that was not 4 months out. 4 months out at that point seemed like a lifetime. We were not sure which way to turn, but were fortunate enough to see a psychiatrist quickly. Our daughter began being treated for suspected bipolar disorder (of course, keeping in mind her young age, anything could change at any time).

Like many parents, we became a sponge, soaking up any information we could find, wondering how we could best help our daughter. We had taken her to a therapist a couple of times in the previous year or two (at the time, we could chalk our incidents up to a passing phase), so luckily we had someone to turn to for that. We knew further testing would be needed but the main goal was to find stabilization of some kind.

Starting this road, we felt a need to connect with other families who were going through similar circumstances, so we searched for a support group. Unfortunately, groups we found were either far away or seemed geared towards adults dealing with these types of conditions. We decided to put the word out to find some other families.

If you are raising a child with a mood or anxiety disorder, you may have become distanced from certain friends or family members who you feel do not understand. You may have been told to you should be more firm with discipline or may have had your parenting methods questioned. From personal experience, you may have found that what works typicallywith other children, may not work with your special child. You may have had a reaction from some who found it a bother to be around your child, which leads to distancing from your entire family. Sometimes we feel apprehension of having our children around others because we are worried about what will happen next, what will go wrong this time. Before you know it, you may find yourself feeling that no one else understands.

Chances are, if you are reading this and are a parent of one of these amazing children, that you have already tried so many things that you yourself could write a book about your experiences. You don't just wake up one day and decide it will be fun for your child to be troubled, that it will be fun to battle insurance companies, the negative stigma sometimes attached to these illnesses and criticism from strangers and even, occasionally, those close to you.

We all want our children to lead "normal" lives, do things other kids do. We want them to have friends, and we, too, want our friends. Here you will meet other families who understand and do not judge. There are ways to help integrate back into relationships that may be lost or damaged and we hope that through this group, you will find the tools to do that. New and long term relationships have their place and are important. We all need our friends and family; they are essential for peace of mind.

FKMAD was started to connect families and quickly led to more. Through our various campaigns which are kicking off throughout 2008, we will further our presence in the community on behalf of some very special families and children while at the same time provide support and resources to those same families and children. No one is alone and no one should feel isolated. We offer many opportunities for you to become a proactive family or concerned individual - visit our Take Action Opportunities section to see how you can join us in raising awareness and support for mental, emotional and behavioral health!

For more information, contact FKMAD@tampabay.rr.com