Posted by pegasus on January 27, 2010, at 12:30:09
Recently I had an interesting experience with the non-diagnosed reacting to a mental health diagnosis, and I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts.
I was recently told by a third party, after promising to keep everything in strict confidence, that a babysitter I use regularly has a mental health diagnosis. It was suggested that it might be Bipolar II or perhaps Borderline Personality Disorder, but I don't know for sure. Apparently, certain official people have told her that she shouldn't be babysitting. She may also have a criminal record having something to do with illegal drugs. I've been assured that it has nothing to do with kids.
Now, I'm not supposed to know this information, and I've been told that no one will tell me anything more than this. Plus, since I promised to keep it all secret, I can't talk to the babysitter directly, without pissing off the third party, and getting them into trouble.
My experience of the babysitter (over the past 2 years) is that she's wonderful with kids, and always responsible and attentive. Much more so than any other babysitter I've ever used. The kids absolutely love her. I've seen no signs of drug use, or of mental instability, or any red flags at all.
As a person with a diagnosis myself, I tend to be less concerned about mental health diagnoses than the third party. And I figure I might know her better than the officials that are saying she shouldn't be babysitting. My guess is that they're using some kind of protocol (versus real knowledge of her as a person) when recommending that she shouldn't babysit.
But . . . it's my daughter I'm potentially putting at risk. What do you guys think? If the drug charge turns out to be something minor (like possession of a small amount of pot, which doesn't bother me as long as it's not around my kids), would you continue to have her babysit? Or is it irresponsible of me to even consider it?
peg
poster:pegasus
thread:935139
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20091212/msgs/935139.html