Bipolar disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. In this a teen experiences extreme mood swings like feeling very energetic and irritated. Its different from depression because in this a person feels sad and doesn’t show interest in any activity. Teens facing bipolar disorder not only impacts them but also their family. This illness cannot be cured but therapies can help teens to a large extend. There are factors that may trigger bipolar disorder like if the teen is under medication or the surrounding factors. This illness can also be genetic if any of the family member has had it.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
- Becoming violent
- Getting hyper
- Cannot concentrate
- High energy
- Lack of sleep
- Getting involved in drugs
- Getting obsessed with sex
- Assuming that they have special powers
Teens with bipolar disorder may not accept that they are having this illness. This not only affects their health but also impacts their life. Since they lose interest in other activities they become more isolated and prefer to be to themselves.
- They start getting addicted to drugs
- Become too sensitive
- Become violent and destructive
- Stop performing well at school
- Imagining things
- Frequently think of committing suicide
How can a family help
- Teens who are suffering from this problem need help and should consult a doctor
- Counselling or a medication therapy should help teens cope with this problem and many of them have responded well to medications
- The closest to a teen is their family so family members should support and make the teen feel that whatever he/she is doing is not intentional but its the illness that is causing the problem
- In case if any family member is suffering from any such mental illness should not hesitate because this encourages teens to also go for medications
- Parents should encourage their teens into exercises, yoga, walks and listening to music