Mar 24 2009
Being Bipolar: Octuplets’ mom fired nannies. Mentally ill?
Nadya Suleman, the woman who gave birth to the octuplets, is in the news yet again. Four of the babies are home now with her other six children so she has ten to care for. With four more still to come home, she fired the free nannies that had been helping with the children. Her reason? She said they had been spying on her. If she is seeking privacy, then why is her home filled with cameramen and paparazzi? This woman is a real piece of work.
It’s truly no surprise to many that she does indeed suffer from mental illness and has begun to speak openly about it. In fact, she has a video blog and has briefly mentioned her mental health issues. According to the New York Post, she has been diagnosed with paranoia, depression, wild mood swings and post-traumatic stress syndrome. None of this would prevent her from being able to care for the children if she is receiving the proper care, which brings forth the question—is Suleman receiving psychiatric help? She did see a psychiatrist in the hospital shortly after the babies were born, but is she still receiving counseling? I personally feel that she should be monitored for signs of depression simply because of the stress that taking care of 14 children will cause. Nadya’s mental health can greatly impact her abilities to care for eight premature infants and in this case taking a proactive stance would be preferable.
I should also note that Dr. Phil has stopped soliciting donations for Suleman, the octuplets or Angels in Waiting. He has not officially stated his reason for doing so, but I am pretty certain that it has to do with her dealings with the press.
This whole story is just so sad. I think that people with mental illness can be wonderful parents, so it isn’t that part really. I just don’t think that this particular lady can do it with 14 kids
This story in the media is oversensationalised.
Congratulations on making the front page of Today.com!!
The idea of caring for 14 children alone is completely and utterly overwhelming. I agree that parents who have mental illness can be great with treatment, and this isn’t a “deciding factor”, if she is turning away help, firing people and not getting mental health treatment, she is in for a very long road ahead.
This story has made me so angry from day one, on so many different levels.
It’s amazing how one story and one mother can bring so many issues into the limelight. Reproductive ethics, parenting kids with special needs, single parenting, living with and managing mental illness, and how to find a way to effectively parent 14 children is just the tip of the iceberg.
What really angers me is that this woman continues to appear to act in such a selfish manner. How can she dismiss these nannies???? I don’t care how they treated her, because it’s not about her anymore. It’s about these kids!!!!!!! She needs to be doing what’s best for them, and not what conveniences her.
In an interview with her former PR manager, she had insinuated that there was possibly a disagreement between Suleman and the nannies about how to parent. WTF???? If they’re not hurting those kids, then she needs to swallow her pride and accept the help.
I can’t imagine what it must be like to be her and facing what she’s facing. But I also can’t imagine a mother not doing anything and everything to make sure her children are provided for. This story seems to suggest she’s still more concerned about fulfilling her own desires…which is what got her into this situation in the first place.
Stephanie, I feel the same way. I think she sees these children as a way to solve her financial troubles.
Unijentifiedmater, that’s why I have kept from mentioning her until today. Firing the nannies and now finding out about her mental illness made me have to say something.
Sanerdudette, thanks! I was shocked to see it on the front page.
Melissa, I agree. I am afraid that it will be the children who suffer in the end.
Oldwestmom, that’s exactly it. I think that sums it up perfectly.
Just letting ya know, it was announced she had hired nannies with her own money that the Angels in Waiting were training. I think everyone knew they weren’t staying. Neither got along, her or them. i’m just hoping it’ll be a safe environment. The media is crazy.
She is clearly starved for attention and unfortunately with the media on the story 24/7 they are just feeding into her illness. I feel so sorry for those children.