Parenting can be a difficult job, but parenting a bipolar teenager can be especially challenging. The mood swings, energy shifts, and emotional ups and downs often make daily life unpredictable. As a parent, you might feel overwhelmed trying to support your teen while maintaining balance and structure.
It’s important to remember, though, that bipolar disorder doesn’t define your teen as a person. While it may shape their experiences, they are still the same individual with unique strengths, talents, and potential. With an informed approach, you can help your teen navigate the challenges of bipolar disorder while encouraging their growth and well-being. Here are some tips to help you as you learn how to handle a bipolar teenager.
1. Learn About Bipolar Disorder
Understanding bipolar disorder is an essential first step. Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings, ranging from emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to lows (depression). These shifts can make daily life unpredictable for your teen and difficult for them to manage alone.
For example, knowing that a sudden outburst might be part of a manic episode and not simply defiance can help you respond calmly. Learning about the symptoms, triggers, and treatment options can help you better understand what your teen is going through.
2. Encourage Open Communication
Many teens with bipolar disorder struggle to talk about their feelings, especially during intense mood swings. It’s important to create an environment where they feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment.
Active Listening
Open communication helps your teen feel understood and supported, which can ease their emotional burden. Start by asking open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling today?” or “What’s been on your mind lately?” Listen actively and avoid interrupting or rushing to offer solutions. Instead, acknowledge their emotions with statements like, “I can see why that would be hard,” or “I’m here for you.” Even if your teen doesn’t open up right away, consistently showing that you’re available to listen will build trust over time.
Celebrate Little Wins
Teens with bipolar disorder often struggle with low self-esteem, especially during depressive episodes. Offer praise when they do engage in healthy coping activities, no matter how small. Recognizing their efforts helps them see that they have control over their emotions and reinforces positive behavior.
For example, if they take a 10-minute walk when feeling overwhelmed, acknowledge it by saying, “That was a great choice. I know it’s hard, but you handled it really well.”
Be a Supportive Presence, Not a Pusher
While you can encourage healthy activities, avoid pushing them too hard, especially during depressive episodes. Pushing can make them feel more stressed or hopeless. Instead, gently suggest trying things they’ve enjoyed before or offer to do activities together, like a walk or listening to calming music. Sometimes, just being present is the most effective way to help them.
3. Establish a Routine with Build-In Flexibility
Routine is essential for teens with bipolar disorder, but it’s important to be flexible. A rigid routine might feel suffocating during depressive phases, while a lack of structure can worsen manic episodes and lead to burnout. Work with your teen to create a routine with balance.
Consistent Sleep
One of the most important things for managing bipolar disorder is maintaining a stable sleep schedule. If they’re resistant, try setting a “wind-down” routine—limit screen time, have a quiet activity like reading, and encourage calming music or sleep podcasts.
Regular Check-ins
Have weekly check-ins where your teen can discuss how they’re feeling, what’s working, and what’s not. This gives them ownership of their treatment plan and helps build trust.
4. Monitor Symptoms and Triggers
While it’s important to stay in touch with your teen’s doctor, what’s often overlooked is the benefit of tracking your teen’s moods, behaviors, and triggers. Keeping a daily journal of their emotions, energy levels, sleep, and potential stressors can help provide a clearer picture of what’s affecting them. This information can then be shared with their healthcare team, helping fill in the gaps between appointments, and giving them a more accurate picture of how your teen is doing.
Keep a journal to track their mood patterns, noting any events or circumstances that seem to affect them. For example, if stressful school assignments tend to precede depressive episodes, you can work together to develop strategies for managing their workload. Early intervention, such as adjusting routines or reaching out to their therapist, can make a big difference in managing symptoms.
5. Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Teens with bipolar disorder often struggle with extreme mood swings that can make managing stress or emotions harder. Instead of generic advice, focus on activities that can directly help them manage their symptoms during specific phases, like manic or depressive episodes.
Physical Activity
During manic episodes, your teen may feel overly energized, impulsive, or agitated. This can lead to risky behaviors or difficulty focusing. Rather than trying to slow them down, suggest physical outlets like running, dancing, or swimming. These help release excess energy without leading to impulsive decisions.
Creative Outlets
If they’re feeling highly creative during a manic episode, try suggesting that they express that energy through music, painting, or writing. These activities can provide a healthy focus without the risk of negative behavior.
Grounding Techniques
When your teen is in a depressive episode, they may feel withdrawn, unmotivated, or sad. The goal here is to offer tools to help them break out of negative thinking patterns and engage with the world, even when it’s difficult.
Help them practice grounding exercises like deep breathing or mindfulness to calm overwhelming feelings. Apps like Calm or Headspace can make this process easier and more accessible. Taking a light walk or doing yoga is a great way to combine coping mechanisms, providing an outlet to ground themselves and physically move their body.
6. Set Boundaries
Clear, consistent boundaries are essential in maintaining structure and teaching your teen what is expected of them, especially during challenging times. While it’s important to be empathetic, it’s equally vital to set limits that create a safe and supportive environment.
For example, you might establish rules around respectful communication, screen time, or responsibilities at home. Be clear about the consequences for crossing boundaries while reinforcing that these rules are in place to support their well-being. Consistency helps your teen feel secure, even when their emotions feel out of control.
7. Seek Support for Yourself
Parenting a bipolar teenager can be emotionally draining, and it’s important to take care of your own mental health. Seeking support through therapy or parent support groups can provide you with tools to cope with the challenges you face.
By prioritizing your well-being, you’ll be better equipped to help your teen navigate theirs. Connecting with other parents in similar situations can also provide reassurance and practical advice.
8. Be Patient and Compassionate
Bipolar disorder is unpredictable, and your teen’s needs will likely change over time. They may experience intense mood swings that can be hard for both of you to navigate.
Approach these moments with patience and understanding, recognizing that their behavior is often a reflection of their condition, not a choice. Validate their feelings, remind them they’re not alone, and adapt your approach as needed. Small acts of kindness, like a reassuring word or a simple gesture, shows your teen that you’re there for them.
Support Your Teen in Managing Bipolar Disorder
At Imagine by Northpoint, our teen mental health treatment programs aim to increase self-understanding and decrease unhealthy behaviors. We’ll work with you to support your teen and equip them with tools to manage their emotions, build resilience, and create a brighter, more balanced future. Contact us today to learn how we can help your teen build a healthy future.