Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme shifts in mood and behavior. People with bipolar disorder experience periods of depression, or lows, and periods of mania, or highs. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically include sudden changes in mood, energy levels, and activity levels. People with bipolar disorder may also experience changes in sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, and difficulty making decisions. Bipolar disorder is a long-term condition that can have a considerable impact on both the individual and those around them.
Professional treatment for bipolar disorder can help you manage your symptoms and lead a happier and more productive life. With proper treatment, you can develop the skills to cope with mood changes effectively, have healthier relationships, and enjoy a higher quality of life overall. For more information about the treatment programs at Venture Academy, reach out to us at 866.762.2211.
Is Your Teen Acting Out, or Is It Bipolar Disorder?
As your children grow from childhood and enter their teenage years, life can seem like a never-ending struggle. Normal teenagers have occasional outbursts and trouble controlling their emotions at times. All families experience unfamiliar feelings as teenagers learn how to grow into responsible adults. However, not all families live with a teen who might have bipolar disorder.
While every parent has infrequent disagreements or fights with their teen, it’s not normal to live your life in a battle zone. If your teen’s wild mood swings have your family tiptoeing around to avoid upsetting them, you will need to find a solution. A teen acts out for many reasons. Whatever lines of communication you keep open between you and your teen are helpful.
Give your child choices that help them learn critical thinking skills. Prepare them by explaining that mistakes are not failures. However, make it clear that keeping secrets puts everyone at risk. Maintain a safe zone where your child can approach you and tell you anything with no meltdowns on your part. This does not mean there is a lack of consequences, but boundaries give a teen a sense of security.
Observing your child for signs of teen mental health means making it safe for them to share things with you. It is essential to continually reinforce non-judgmental responses. Tell them and show them that no matter how much you hate their behaviour, you love them. This means showing them you won’t give up on them and that they cannot drive you away. This means loving them enough to get them help.
Dealing With the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
If you are not familiar with bipolar symptoms, it helps to know what they resemble. Dealing with bipolar disorder is possible with the right help. You can divide bipolar symptoms into two separate sets of behaviour. Depressive episodes are one aspect of bipolar symptoms. Manic periods are the other part of bipolar disease. Some people living with bipolar disorder are nearly entirely on the depressive side, while others may be primarily manic. However, most of the time, teens rapidly swing between the two.
So, how do you know if your teen needs professional help? These are very general guidelines to help you make that decision. When identifying your teen’s actions, look for at least five examples occurring repeatedly and without explanation. A typical teen often shows these kinds of behaviour on occasion. You know your child best, though. Here are some bipolar symptoms on the depressive side:
- Rapid change toward either sluggishness or restless behaviour
- Extreme and unwarranted feelings of guilt and lack of their own worth
- Sudden and sustained loss of energy and increased fatigue
- Marked inability to make decisions, concentrate or think in a rational pattern
- Abrupt appetite changes, weight loss or gain with no logical explanation
- Feeling hopeless, empty, or sad for no reason
- Noticeable lack of pleasure or interest in most or all activities
- Preoccupation with death or planning or attempting suicide
Manic symptoms associated with bipolar episodes are often tough to separate from typical teenage actions. Dealing with bipolar disorder takes professional training. If you’re looking for possible signs of a problem, look for at least three of these indicators:
- Euphoria leading to an unreal feeling of false confidence and well-being
- Agitation and a sharp increase in frantic energy or activity
- Claims of no need for sleep
- Racing thoughts and circular thinking
- Uncharacteristically jumpy or giddy
- Too easily distracted and unable to concentrate
- Uncommonly talkative to the point of being hyperverbal
- Poor decisions around taking risks, such as wild spending, shoplifting, or breaking the law
Remember that these are general symptoms that teens living with bipolar disorder have. If you want more specific information, Venture Academy offers a free online assessment to see if your teen needs help.
The Benefits of Profissional Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
When it comes to professional treatment for bipolar disorder, the most common approach is medication. Medication helps regulate the chemicals in the brain that are associated with bipolar disorder, making it easier to manage mood swings and reduce the frequency of episodes. Additionally, a professional may recommend a therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies can help your teen learn how to understand their symptoms better, identify triggers that may lead to an episode, and develop healthy coping strategies.
Another important part of professional treatment for bipolar disorder is lifestyle changes. Making positive lifestyle changes can help reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the overall quality of life. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol and drug use, exercising regularly, eating healthy, and engaging in activities that bring joy can make a big difference. Furthermore, having a strong network of family and friends to provide emotional support is essential for managing the condition.
Overall, professional treatment for bipolar disorder can be beneficial in helping teens manage their symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. With the right combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and emotional support, they can feel empowered to take control of their condition.
Learn More About Bipolar Disorder Treatment in Canada at Venture Academy
If you recognize your teen in the symptoms above, you’ll be happy to know Venture Academy has a full treatment team ready to help your child. Treatment teams include peers, nurses, counsellors/therapists, doctors, and specialists ready to provide respectful treatment options. We offer the following services in dealing with bipolar disorder:
- Crisis intervention
- Specialized treatment for troubled teens with every type of problem
- Youth detox program for substance abuse
- 30-day assessment and intervention
If you’re ready to get help for your teen, call us at 866.762.2211 now for an assessment appointment. You can also reach us by filling out our online contact form. Your family deserves a life free from drama and disruption. Help your teen mature and grow toward a healthy, fulfilling life.
