Parenting A Child With Manic Depressive Disorder

Parenting a child with bipolar disorder presents its own unique challenges. Family and friends may have attributed your child’s difficult behavior to stubbornness or other personality flaws. They may have blamed your parenting skills. It is important to recognize and accept bipolar disorder for what it is- a medical condition. If your child had epilepsy, no one would blame you or your child.

Educating yourself about bipolar disorder is important when your child is diagnosed with the disorder. You can’t expect others to understand bipolar disorder if you don’t. Support groups can provide a wealth of information. Support groups also give you the opportunity to speak to other parents dealing with the same issues.

When parenting a bipolar child, or any child with special needs, taking care of yourself is important. Eating healthy, getting proper rest, and doing things for yourself can help you cope with the stress of the demands of parenting a child with special needs. Eating a balanced diet could also help regulate your child’s mood.

Exercise can help your child burn off excess energy. This is especially beneficial if you recognize the signs of an impending mania or rage. Keeping a regular schedule, especially for sleep, can also help you manage bipolar symptoms.

Feel free to ask the doctor any questions you may have. You are your child’s advocate. You should understand the disorder and the symptoms that your child is experiencing. The communication with your child’s doctor is a two-way street. Who better than you can tell the doctor whether or not the treatment is working? Some parents find it helpful to keep a log or calendar to note your child’s symptoms. If you feel like your child’s doctor is not comprehending the severity of your child’s episodes, you might want to videotape the rages.

Therapy is an essential tool when learning to manage bipolar disorder. Therapy teaches your child how to recognize warning signs of the illness and cope with their emotions. Family therapy can be helpful to the bipolar child and the whole family as each individual must learn about the disorder. Bipolar disorder affects everyone in the family.

Be an advocate for your child at school. Insist your child has all the resources needed to get the best education possible. Educate the teachers and the faculty about your child's needs, and also make certain to point out your child's abilities as well as disabilities. Get an IEP and demand the school follows it. Don’t forget that an IEP is there to help your child. Legally the school is required to follow it exactly.

It is important that you get your bipolar child the treatment that they need. The sooner bipolar disorder is treated, the better. If left untreated, it will only get worse. A majority of adolescents with untreated bipolar disorder end up abusing drugs or alcohol. Bipolar disorder is highly treatable. There is no reason to believe that your child will not be able to go on to lead a productive life.

Next article: Various Types Of Mania