Bipolar Disorder in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Bipolar disorder is sometimes called manic depression. It is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood changes. Moods go from times of very high energy (manic episodes) to times of depression. These moods may cause problems with your child's schooling, family life, friendships, and ability to function.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder. But it can be helped with medicines. Counseling may also help. It is important for your child to take any medicines exactly as prescribed, even when they feel well. Your child may need lifelong treatment.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Give your child medicines exactly as prescribed. Do not stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor first. Your child may need to try different combinations of medicines to find what works best.
• Give your child's medicines on schedule to keep your child's moods even. When your child feels good, you may think that the medicines aren't needed, but it is important that your child keeps taking them.
• Make sure your child goes to any counseling sessions. Call and talk with your child's counselor if your child cannot go to a session or does not think the sessions are helping. Do not just let your child stop going.
• Have your child get at least an hour of activity on most days of the week. Your child may like to take a walk with you, ride a bike, or play sports.
• Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Keep your child's room dark and quiet, and try to have your child go to bed at the same time every night.
• Make sure your child eats a variety of healthy foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins.
• Try to lower your child's stress and help manage your child's time. To lower your child's stress, have them try physical activity or slow deep breathing.
• Make sure your child does not use alcohol or drugs.
• Learn the early signs of your child's mood changes so you can take steps to help your child feel better.
• Encourage your child to ask for help from friends and family when they need it. Your child may need help with daily chores when they are depressed. When your child is manic, they may need support to control high energy levels.

What should you do if your child has bipolar disorder?

• Learn about bipolar disorder and signs that the condition is getting worse.
• Remind your child that you love them.
• Make a plan with all family members about how to care for your child when symptoms are extreme.
• Talk about your fears and concerns and those of other family members. Seek counseling if needed.
• Do not focus attention only on your child who is in treatment.
• Remind yourself that it will take time for changes to occur.
• Do not blame yourself for your child's condition.
• Know your legal rights and the legal rights of your child. Support groups or counselors can help you with this information.
• Take care of yourself. Keep up with your own interests, such as your career, hobbies, and friends. Use exercise, positive self-talk, deep breathing, and other relaxing exercises to help lower your stress.
• Give yourself time to cope with your emotions. You may need to cope with emotions such as anger, fear, and frustration. After you work through your feelings, you will be better able to care for yourself and your child.
• If you are having a hard time with your feelings or with your relationship with your child, talk with a counselor.