As a parent, taking care of a child with bipolar disorder can prove difficult. Bipolar in teens is especially difficult to handle, as this is when children reach their rebellious stage. The more you understand the condition, the easier it will be for you to handle their episodes as parents.
What Is Bipolar Disorder for Kids?
Bipolar disorder is a psychological condition that can lead to noticeable, sometimes extreme changes in a person’s mood or behavior. People are often diagnosed with this condition in their teens or adulthood, but children may experience it as well.
The signs of bipolar in children may manifest themselves differently, depending on how their moods go. They may feel more active and happier than usual, which is referred to as a manic episode. They may also feel less active and sadder than they usually are, which is often referred to as a depressive episode. The changes in moods often give no warning.
How Can Parents Help?
Bipolar disorder in children can be a great challenge for parents and the child’s development. This is why you should try to take action as soon as possible. Here are some ways for you to help them:
- Ask for Help: As a parent, you shouldn’t feel like you need to do this alone. Ask for help from a professional, as they can offer a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
- Plan Who to Call: Make sure you know who to call when there is a behavioral escalation, such as skipping school or running away. Emergency contacts can help you.
- Install Parental Control Apps: Parental control apps such as mSpy can help you keep track of your child during a manic or depressive episode. mSpy is one of the best mobile tracker free apps on the market and it allows you to turn on keyword alerts, which will be triggered whenever the kids use words such as “run,” “drugs,” and so on.
- Have a Cohesive Family Structure: Children with a cohesive family structure are less likely to fall into bipolar disorder episodes. Plan family time, meals, or activities that you can enjoy together every day.
- Follow a Treatment Plan: Continue every treatment just the way the doctor says you should. Don’t assume you can stop just because you see improvement.
- Keep a Mood Chart: Start a mood journal the moment you have your first suspicions. There, you may see behavior patterns that can suggest bipolar disorder.
Mood episodes caused by bipolar disorder can be exhausting not only for the children but for the parents as well. It’s a cycle of challenges that you never seem to be able to escape from. Support groups can be very helpful if you notice signs of bipolar in children.
What Are the Signs of Bipolar Disorder?
Having a bad day is normal, just as it is normal for kids to have difficult periods now and again. They can feel sad, irritated, rebellious, angry, or hyperactive from time to time as well. Adults do it as well, so you should not always take it as a sign.
That being said, if the symptoms are too frequent, change from one moment to another, and prove to be very troublesome, you may have an issue. If they are persistent, it may be more than just a phase. Here are some signs that may suggest bipolar disorder:
- Uncharacteristic anger episodes;
- Inattention and confusion;
- Easy tearfulness;
- Moodiness;
- Overconfidence;
- Impulsive behavior;
- Needing little sleep.
If you see these signs, you may want to consider getting a bipolar test for your child.
Conclusion
Bipolar disorder in children can be very overwhelming for a parent. However, if you notice the signs firsthand, you may be able to get your child the treatment that they need. Monitor them closely and don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
