How to Deal With a Bipolar Teenager

Many valuable resources are available to parents and teenagers struggling with bipolar disorder. Adolescents are going through many physical and social changes. It's possible to live a fulfilling life as a teenager diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, it requires proper care, a supportive environment and management of symptoms.

Instructions

    • 1

      Know the symptoms of bipolar disorder for a teen, including unusual happiness followed by irritability and agitation or inexplicably high confidence. If additional behaviors, such as extreme negative comments and behavior, last several weeks, consult your family physician.

    • 2

      Observe the teenager to determine whether something serious is occurring. Often the teen is unaware of the substantial changes in his activity and speech. Discuss the symptoms, the changes in his behavior and the need to seek further assistance (see Resources below).

    • 3

      See a psychiatric professional. If there's the possibility of bipolar disorder, diagnosis is essential and medication may be prescribed. Talk with the teen about his symptoms, diagnosis and solutions. Emphasize that bipolar disorder is an illness that affects many people and he isn't alone. Use resource materials to educate yourself and your teen.

    • 4

      Consider joining a support group for teens or for parents of a teens with bipolar disorder. Learn communication skills to maintain balance and peace in your home (see Resources below).

    • 5

      Encourage your teen to get involved in an organization. There are organizations that are involved in the legislative process, medical studies to improve symptom management and networks of people who understand the plight of person's living with bipolar.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How Teens Can Ruin a Marriage
      Whether your teens have been in the family since birth, adoption or when you married one of their parents, it can be a rewarding experience watching them grow into independent adults. However, a teenagers problems can also wreak havoc on your marriag
    • The Effect of Reckless Teen Driving on Society
      There is a serious price to pay for reckless teen driving, both in human lives and dollars. It seems that every day there is a story on the news about another teenage life senselessly lost. States are enacting new laws to help save these lives; paren
    • Why Teens Should Drive
      When a teen drives, it enables him to rely less on you and to take responsibility for his own transportation. With the proper training and supervision and graduated driver licensing programs, driving provides a pathway that helps teens become autonom