It’s OK for children to have high highs and low lows. Learning to tolerate and process intense emotions is a process that extends into adulthood. If you’re concerned about the amount of distress your child is experiencing or if their mood swings are disrupting life activities, there’s a chance they may have a treatable condition. Bipolar disorder, once known as “manic depression,” is an often-misunderstood condition that features periods of high energy and elevated mood called mania or hypomania. Some children also experience depressive episodes.

You can help your child by learning about the signs of common mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, tracking their symptoms and knowing when to seek treatment. You can also talk with your child about mental health topics to normalize them and learn about strategies for emotion regulation to practice with your child at home. Some of the most important things you can do are care for your own mental health and create a stable, loving home environment.

In this article, we’ll share some signs and symptoms that may indicate bipolar disorder and actionable strategies you can use to support your child.

What are the signs of bipolar disorder in children?

How does a parent know when their child’s intense moods and energy fluctuations go beyond what’s typical for their age? There are a few signs that signal it might be something more. If your child’s moods change abruptly, if the extremes persist for several days, and if they cause distress and get in the way of life activities, these are all signs you should see a licensed clinician for an assessment. Manic episodes must last at least seven days and hypomanic episodes last at least four days.

Bipolar disorder can look very different from one person to another. In bipolar disorder, depressive episodes look a lot like major depressive disorder (MDD). Children may have low mood and energy, a lack of interest in activities, or difficulty concentrating. The presence of manic or hypomanic episodes is usually what distinguishes this condition from others. 

The following are some potential symptoms of a manic or hypomanic episode:

• Going several days without feeling tired or decreased need for sleep 
• Having extremely high energy and being very active
• Being unusually happy, hopeful, excited or silly
• Talking a lot or talking very fast
• Being irritable, having angry outbursts or being defiant
• Being impatient and restless
• Quickly jumping from one idea to the next
• Feeling invincible or believing they have special abilities
• Acting impulsively

4 ways you can help a child with bipolar disorder

Children who have bipolar disorder may or may not be aware that the emotional extremes they’re experiencing aren’t typical. However, the distress they experience is real. Mania and hypomania sometimes look euphoric on the surface. In reality, the rush can be overwhelming, exhausting, and make a person feel like they’re losing control. As a parent, you can help your child build up their resilience and prepare for a lifetime of mental wellness.

You can support a child with bipolar disorder in the following ways:

• Create a stable, predictable home environment.

A child’s environment plays a role in triggering mood episodes. Keeping stressors to a minimum can help them stay emotionally regulated. Create structure and consistency at home by establishing rules and routines and sticking to them.

• Document mood patterns and triggers.

Mood tracking not only helps ensure that your child gets an accurate diagnosis, but it can also help you and your child understand and accept their symptoms. Building this awareness helps them develop healthy self-esteem and apply their regulation skills.

• Seek a comprehensive professional evaluation.

Receiving early treatment for bipolar disorder will support your child’s long-term mental wellness throughout their lifetime. In the process of talking about treatment and seeking care from a licensed clinician, you create a safe home environment and help your child learn to be proactive about their mental health. 

• Learn about evidence-based treatments and advocate for your child.

Most children and adolescents with bipolar disorder need mood-stabilizing or atypical antipsychotic medication to manage their symptoms. Medication is often combined with psychotherapy. It’s critical that they receive personalized, evidence-based care. Some of the most effective treatments for bipolar disorder are variations of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Family therapy is also a critical way to build a strong support system at home.

Lightfully Teen provides whole-person-centered treatment for teens with bipolar disorder

Childhood bipolar disorder is a challenge that can put a strain on family relationships. There is hope that with proper treatment and support, you can learn to thrive together. Early recognition and intervention for bipolar disorder in children can significantly improve long-term outcomes and family well-being.

The compassionate licensed clinicians at Lightfully Teen help young people and their families with complex conditions like bipolar disorder. We use a framework called Precision Care Model (PCM) to target the drivers behind each person’s symptoms. In our comprehensive programs, teens and their families build an awareness of their thoughts, emotions, behaviors and relationships. They also learn skills to care for themselves proactively.

You’ve already taken the first step by reading this article. If you’re seeking treatment for a child with bipolar disorder, we can help. Reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team today.