The Wild Child: Coping with a Bipolar Youth

Summary:

This documentary follows three young people as they navigate puberty and adolescence with bipolar disorder.

Website:

http://www.wfcr.org/features/wild_child.php

Additional Credits and Funding:

John Dankosky -- news director for WNPR in Hartford -- edited the program. It was a joint production of WFCR at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and WNPR, Connecticut Public Radio. Funding was provided by the Icarus Foundation.
We request that stations credit the University of Massachusetts as a production facility when airing this piece.

Tones:

Informational, Intimate, Thoughtful

Language:

English

Description:

What is it like to have a mind you can't control? For three young people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it's a brave journey into uncharted medical and emotional territory. This radio documentary follows Erin, Eric, and Athena, along with their parents, doctors, teachers, and advocates, as they navigate puberty and adolescence with a serious mood disorder. Seventeen-year-old Erin is a Nirvana fan with a history of substance abuse; Athena is a 10-year-old aspiring cheerleader who lives on disability with her single mom; Eric is a 15-year-old disciple of Conan O'Brien who still holds a record for middle school detentions. Through these young people's blunt, honest, and often humorous voices, we learn about the early signs of the disorder; difficulties getting an accurate diagnosis; the trial and error of treatment; stress on family relationships; working with under-budgeted school systems; and hopes for the future.

This piece premiered on WFCR, Amherst, MA on Nov. 6, 2004 and has aired on about a dozen stations.

Awards it has received include: National Edward R. Murrow Award from RTNDA; PRNDI (Public Radio News Directors Inc.)Award; New York Festivals Silver World Medal; First Place, Association of Health Care Reporter's 2005 Contest (Radio/TV); The National Mental Health Association's 2005 Media Award, Massachusetts Associated Press Award.

The "Wild Child" was adapted for an American RadioWorks documentary -- "A Mind of Their Own" -- available at: http://www.prx.org/piece/4231

There is also a shorter (7:23) companion feature available -- focussing on the controversy over diagnosing bipolar in kids -- at: http://prx.org/piece/1482.

New to PRX?

Learn More | Sign Up