Tips for Parents Raising Teens with Bipolar Disorder

While ADD (attention disorder) was a popular diagnosis given for kids who had trouble focusing ten years ago, it's bipolar disorder that's getting the most attention today. Teens who struggle with biploar disorder are even more challenging than young children, as they're more susceptible to peer pressure. What's more, there's a strong link between bipolar teens and substance abuse.

What is bipolar disorder?

Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a mental condition, exemplified by extreme temperament sings. Someone suffering with bipolar is deliriously happy one moment, and then down in the dumps the next. In some severe cases, a person with bipolar disorder even entertains suicidal thoughts. While in a manic (or state of euphoria), a bipolar person is bursting with energy and enthusiasm. It isn't long before the same person is suddenly lethargic and feeling hopeless.

How Can you Determine if Your Teen is Bipolar?

Unfortunately, there isn't a a blood test to find out if your child has bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, just as with ADD, there aren't any authoritative medical tests to determine a positive diagnosis of bipolar, making it hard to detect. However, if your child is experiencing extreme mood swings, it is advisable to have him (or her) tested with a comprehensive physical exam, as well as have a psychological evaluation performed.

Because many teens who struggle with bipolar comfort themselves by abusing drugs and alcohol, parents should regularly have their bipolar teenager assessed and monitored for drug and alcohol problems.

Talk with Your Bipolar Teen about Drugs

Of course, the best plan is preventing drug abuse before it starts. Rather than preach, first set a good example, yourself. If your child sees you medicate you worries in alcohol or by popping pills for anxiety and other problems, he may get a wrong message that booze and pills are the answers to his mood swings. Talk with your teen about ways to alleviate depression and stress. For example, encourage him to come to you when he's sad, as well as seek out a support group of other bipolar teens.

Homes Schooling You Bipolar Teen

If possible, consider home schooling. Because we live in such a depraved pop culture, it's even more likely that teens struggling with bipolar will give into their peers, making unwise choices. I have the privilege of going to a most unusual church where 99% of all the kids are home schooled. Because they're shielded from the decadent culture, they're the most delightful and well-adjusted young people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. They aren't afraid to stand up for what they believe and gladly integrate with adults, not separating themselves from older generations.

On the other hand, if you feel you can't home school, then explore other alternatives, such as private schools or hiring educators to come into your home and teach your child.

Educate Yourself about Bipolar Disorder

Do as much reading as you can about bipolar disorder by researching online, as well as talking to professionals. A good reference book is "The Bipolar Child: The Definitive and Reassuring Gudee to Childhood's Most Misunderstood Disorder" by Demitri Md Papolas and Janice Papaols. Filled with helpful charts, the book also has lists for getting treatment and long-term care.

Get Help for Yourself

Finally, be sure to take care of yourself. Seek out support groups, as well as other parents going through the same struggles of raising a bipolar teen. Remember, if you don't care for yourself you won't be able to help your child.