Category Archives: Facts About Bipolar Kids

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In teenage life, where emotions paint the canvas of daily experiences, a hidden complexity often exists that is misread or overlooked. Bipolar disorder, a formidable yet misunderstood mental health condition, finds its way subtly yet profoundly among teens. It’s a world where extreme joy dances with deep sadness, where the highs are as dizzying as the lows are crushing. 

Understanding this condition in adolescents is not just about recognizing teen’s symptoms; it’s about peering into a misunderstood world of emotional turbulence. This article unravels the signs of bipolar disorder diagnosed in teenagers, aiming to shed light on the nuances of this condition. 

We delve into how it manifests uniquely in the teenage years, its challenges, and most importantly, how recognizing it early can pave the way for effective support and management. 

Recognizing The Signs Of Bipolar Disorder In Teens

Identifying bipolar disorder in teenagers can be particularly challenging due to the natural emotional ups and downs of adolescence. However, common signs and patterns can signal the presence of this disorder:

Extreme Mood Swings

Unlike typical teenage moodiness, these swings are more severe and can last for days or weeks. A teen might experience euphoric highs during manic episodes, displaying:

• An unusually upbeat attitude and short temper issues
• Excessive energy level 
• Sometimes, an unrealistic sense of self-importance or abilities and poor judgment

Conversely, during depressive episodes, they may exhibit overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed.

Erratic Sleep Patterns

Teens bipolar disorder often results in struggle with sleep. During manic phases, they may require significantly less sleep yet feel extremely energetic. During depressive phases, they may experience excessive sleepiness or find it difficult to get out of bed.

Behavioral Changes

Look for drastic mood changes and in behavior, such as:

• Sudden poor academic performance
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Increased irritability

Risk-taking behaviors, like reckless driving or substance abuse, are also more common during manic episodes. It’s also not unusual to see the social isolation of bipolar kids.

Difficulty In Concentration

Teens may have trouble focusing or making decisions, especially during depressive episodes. This can manifest as a decline in academic performance or an inability to complete tasks.

Changes In Eating Habits

Appetite can fluctuate significantly, with overeating during depressive states and loss of appetite during manic phases.

Physical Complaints

Frequent complaints about headaches, stomach aches, or other physical issues without a clear cause can be signs of the emotional distress associated with bipolar disorder.

Sensitivity To Emotional Triggers

Teens with bipolar disorder may have heightened sensitivity to emotional or stressful situations, leading to exaggerated responses to seemingly minor events.

Types Of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder in teens can present in several forms, each with its own set of symptoms:

1. Bipolar I Disorder

This type is characterized by manic episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms of bipolar disorder that are so severe that immediate hospital care is needed. Depressive episodes are also common, typically lasting for about two weeks.

2. Bipolar II Disorder

Involving a pattern of episodes of manic depression and hypomania (which are less severe than full-blown manic episodes), Bipolar II Disorder is often harder to diagnose because the hypomanic episodes:

• Can appear as periods of high productivity
• Are less disruptive than the manic episodes of Bipolar I

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3. Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia)

A milder form of bipolar disorder, cyclothymia includes periods of symptoms of hypomania and major depression that persist for at least a couple of years (one year in children and adolescents). 

However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for hypomanic and depressive episodes.

4. Other Specified And Unspecified Bipolar And Related Disorders

This category is used for bipolar disorder symptoms that do not match the three categories above.

Understanding these variations is crucial in providing the right support and treatment for teenagers facing bipolar disorder. Each type requires a tailored approach to management and care, emphasizing the importance of professional evaluation and diagnosis administered by a mental health provider.

Impact On Teen Life

The presence of bipolar disorder in teenagers can profoundly impact various aspects of their lives. The fluctuating nature of the disorder often brings unique challenges that affect their daily functioning, relationships, and overall development.

Academic Challenges

Bipolar disorder can significantly disrupt a teen’s academic life. During manic phases, teens might exhibit hyperactivity and impulsiveness, making it difficult to focus in class or complete assignments on time. Conversely, depressive episodes can lead to:

• A lack of motivation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Absenteeism

These risk factors contribute to declining grades and potential conflicts with school authorities. The inconsistency in academic performance often leads to frustration and a sense of failure, exacerbating the emotional turmoil.

Social Struggles

The erratic mood swings associated with bipolar disorder can strain relationships with peers. During manic episodes, teens may behave recklessly or impulsively, which can be off-putting or confusing to friends. In depressive states, they may:

• Withdraw from social interactions
• Skip social events
• Isolate themselves

These social challenges can lead to feelings of loneliness and misunderstanding, further impacting their emotional well-being.

Family Dynamics

Bipolar disorder can also affect family life. Parents and siblings may struggle to understand and cope with the teen’s unpredictable and elevated mood and behaviors. This can lead to an inflated sense of increased family member tension, misunderstandings, and conflicts. 

Families must seek support and education about the disorder to foster a supportive and understanding home environment.

Emotional And Psychological Effects

Living with bipolar disorder can be an emotional rollercoaster for teens. They may experience:

• A distorted self-image
• Feelings of worthlessness during depressive phases
• Unrealistic beliefs in their abilities during manic episodes

This emotional instability can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Risky Behaviors

During manic episodes, teens are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, or unsafe sexual practices. These racing thoughts and about suicide behaviors not only pose immediate physical dangers but can also have long-term consequences on their health and well-being.

Challenges In Transitioning To Adulthood

The instability caused by bipolar disorder can complicate the transition to adulthood. Teens may struggle with making decisions about their future, such as choosing a career path or maintaining consistent employment. 

The disorder can also impact their ability to form healthy romantic relationships and live independently.

Stigma And Self-Perception

The stigma surrounding mental illness, especially conditions like bipolar disorder, can lead to feelings of shame or embarrassment in teens. This can prevent them from seeking help or talking about their experiences, further isolating them.

Addressing the impact of bipolar disorder on a teen’s life requires a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Medical treatment
• Psychological support
• A stable, understanding environment at home and school

By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, caregivers, and professionals can help teens with bipolar disorder navigate their condition more effectively and lead fulfilling lives.

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Supporting Teens With Bipolar Disorder

Supporting a teenager with bipolar disorder involves a multi-faceted approach that encompasses emotional, psychological, and practical support. 

Here are key strategies to effectively assist teens navigating this condition:

1. Educating Yourself And the Teen

Understanding bipolar disorder is the first step in providing support. Educate yourself about:

• The symptoms
• Treatment options
• Management strategies

Equally important is educating the teen about their condition, helping them recognize their symptoms, and understanding the importance of treatment and self-care.

2. Open And Non-Judgmental Communication

Create a safe and open environment for teens to express their feelings and experiences. Listen actively and without judgment. This open line of communication can help the teen feel understood and supported.

3. Consistent Medical Treatment

Bipolar disorder typically requires ongoing treatment, including medication and talk therapy. Ensure that the teen adheres to their treatment plan and attends regular appointments with mental health professionals.

4. Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Promote a healthy lifestyle, including:

• Regular exercise
• A balanced diet
• Adequate sleep

These things can help manage symptoms. Encourage the teen to avoid substances that can exacerbate the condition, like alcohol or drugs.

5. Establishing Routine And Structure

A consistent daily routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability. Help the teen establish a regular schedule for high risk activities, schoolwork, and rest.

6. Teaching Coping Strategies

Equip the teen with coping skills to manage their symptoms. This can include stress-reduction techniques, mindfulness, and problem-solving skills.

7. Creating A Support Network

Encourage the teen to build a support network of friends, family members, and possibly support groups where they can share experiences and receive encouragement from others who understand their situation. This will help avoid higher risk of mania that causes bipolar disorder during teen years.

8. Planning For Crisis Situations

Develop a plan for managing crises, including identifying warning signs of a manic or depressive episode and knowing when and how to seek professional help.

9. Supporting Academic Success

Work with the teen’s school to ensure they receive the necessary support, such as a modified workload or counseling services.

10. Encouraging Independence And Self-Advocacy

As they grow, encourage teens to take an active role in managing their condition, making decisions about their treatment, and advocating for themselves in various settings.

To Wrap Up

As our discussion of bipolar disorder in teenagers concludes, we are reminded of the delicate balance of awareness, understanding, and empathy required in addressing this condition. Bipolar disorder in teens is not just a clinical diagnosis; it’s a personal journey that affects every facet of a young individual’s life. There’s no exact cause of the mental illness and sometimes some can even have an abnormally happy life and still enjoy usual activities.

Recognizing the signs is the first step towards unwinding the complexities of this mental health challenge. Through informed support, timely intervention, and continuous care, we can help our teens navigate these turbulent waters and emerge stronger. It’s a path of resilience, a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming emotions, hope and understanding can light the way. 

For every teenager grappling with bipolar disorder, this is not just about managing a condition; it’s about embracing their entire being, understanding their struggles, and empowering them to lead fulfilling lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can A 15 Year Old Be Diagnosed With Bipolar?

How Do Bipolar People Act?

What Makes Bipolar Worse?

What Triggers Bipolar?

How Do I Know If My Child Is Bipolar?

What Are The Red Flags Of Bipolar Disorder?

Can Bipolar Go Away?

Can Bipolar Be Cured?

How Do You Calm A Bipolar Person?

Is My Child Bipolar Or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD?

What To Avoid When Bipolar?

What Are The Worst Months For Bipolar?

Why Do Bipolar Say Hurtful Things?

How Do You Check To See If Someone Is Bipolar?

What Does Bipolar Look Like In Kids?

When Does Bipolar Show In Girls?

How Do You Know If You Have Bipolar Or Autism?

What is bipolar disorder? What are the negative impacts it can bring to a person’s life? Is the disorder curable? Some information also talks about its effects on individuals. It is typically developed more in teens and young adults, but it can manifest in kids as young as six years old.

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Presently, it has become a contentious diagnosis. Several medical professionals agree that it is atypical and just being overly diagnosed. Others, on the other hand, have conflicting claims. So at this moment, it is difficult to confirm just how typical this mental illness is.

Mental health treatment is an effective plan for Bipolar Disorder, with many options that may help someone manage their symptoms. Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT) focuses on stabilizing sleep-wake cycles, as these can be important markers for early warning signs of the condition. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) works to identify and change underlying thought patterns and beliefs that can lead to changes in mood. Group Psychoeducation is another effective technique, as it helps people understand their mental health conditions better, and create support groups with others facing similar life events. The dialectical behavior approach is specifically tailored to those with BD, teaching skills such as mindfulness and emotion regulation in confronting frightening life events.

Treatment for this illness typically includes a combination of mood-stabilizing medication and developing coping skills. A mood stabilizer, a set of medications prescribed by healthcare professionals, can help prevent major depressive episodes, manic episodes, and even substance abuse problems. When they develop coping skills, individuals with BD can manage their mental illness symptoms and avoid major depression relapse. In addition to medication and mental health treatment, complementary treatments such as exercise may also be helpful in managing this debilitating illness.

Another disorder known as DMDD or Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder has also been recognized to affect children who are 6 to 18 years old and experiencing extreme and progressive temper outbursts and irritability that do not meet the normal classifications of bipolar disorder.

Thus, it is vital not to make hasty conclusions. If your teen or young adult is diagnosed with the disorder, you can always get a second opinion before finding an appropriate regimen for the disorder. This can include a social rhythm or family-focused approach that is catered to by a mental health professional.

Be sure that you feel safe and satisfied with your child’s mental health professionals specializing in affective disorders.

What Is Bipolar Treatment For Teens And The Young?

Establishing BD in the young is not easy, as many of its symptoms are comparable to conditions like conduct disorders or ADHD – or even the simple presentation of a child’s behavior. A particular concern is that the medicines taken by a child with ADHD are frequently stimulants, and these can cause mania or euphoria in kids with BP.

Young children who experience manic episodes could be more aggressive compared to normal adults. They might present with more psychotic indications, seeing and hearing things that are not really there. In a depressive attack, they would mostly report physical symptoms, such as pains and aches.

Among the most prominent differences is that Bipolar Disorder in kids cycles more rapidly. And though in adults, depressive and manic or depressive episodes may happen in intervals of weeks, months, and years, these episodes may all occur within one day in children.

People with BD may experience manic and depressive episodes and may benefit from therapy as part of their treatment options. This may involve coping skills and techniques to manage stress, along with medication such as mood stabilizers. Maintenance treatment can be helpful in managing symptoms and reducing the frequency and intensity of bipolar episodes. Alternative medicine and other treatments may also be considered. A support group and working with a psychiatric nurse can also provide helpful support. Maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial in managing bipolar mood shifts.

Treatment is an essential part of the treatment plan and can help those struggling with the condition to reduce symptoms, manage their emotions, and prevent new manic or hypomanic episodes of depression. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends family-focused, interpersonal and social rhythm, emotion regulation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy as the latest research-based treatments for bipolar disorder. In these therapies, daily routines are established to help structure the day, and regular problem-solving is encouraged in order to foster problem-solving and case-management skills.

Helping My BP Child Heal

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Bipolar Disorder Guide and Recommendations

If you are a parent of a young adolescent or teen with a disorder, there are many things you can do to help your child deal with BP. Here are some recommendations.

Treatment sessions provide a safe space for depressed individuals to discuss difficult feelings, develop interpersonal skills, and work on strategies to manage mood swings and depression. Research shows that people who engage with therapists feel better after every session.

Follow A Routine

Kids who are diagnosed with BD can make use of a daily routine. Assist them initially in getting up from bed, eating proper meals, doing some physical activity, and heading to bed at almost the same time nightly. In addition, do your best to decrease anxiety, stress, and mood disorders in the home.

Speak With His Teachers

In some instances, a young adolescent or teen with BP may require special breaks at school. For example, they may need their assignments or projects to be lessened when they are experiencing tough times or use more short breaks while they’re in school.

Speak with your kid’s teachers and the school administrator so that you can come up with an agreement that will help your child tackle school. In some scenarios, you might need your child to take a few days off from school until their bipolar depression subsides or stabilizes.

Monitor The Schedule For Taking Medications

Your child must take his medications at the recommended time. Use sticky notes, pillboxes, timers, and other things that can help you remember. If your young has to take his medicines at school, let his teacher or the school nurse know.

Take Note Of The Side Effects

Most medicines prescribed for bipolar disorder, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers, were previously prescribed for adults, and only very few have been studied in kids and teens.

As a result, some children are most susceptible to presenting with side effects from these medicines, like changes in blood sugar levels, weight gain, and cholesterol levels due to some potent antipsychotics. Ask your child’s primary physician about the signs to watch out for.

Reach Out To A Family Counselor

Raising a child with BP can completely change the entire family dynamic. It can place an extra burden on you and your partner’s relationship. Your other kids do not know what’s happening to their siblings, or they could be insecure about the attention you give to your bipolar child.

Seeking family counseling for bipolar disorder treatment can help with mental health problems and people diagnosed with the illness. It allows the rest of the family members to identify and manage these kinds of matters by creating a bipolar support alliance.

Treatment for this is life-long. The American Psychiatric Association recommends developing a consistent routine and identifying triggers to help manage symptoms. Therapy can also involve working with a psychiatric nurse or joining a support group to improve coping skills without needing other treatments. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as improved sleep and abstinence from unsafe sex can help in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder, as well as reach out to a family member for help.

Do Not Ignore Suicidal Threats

Parents don’t probably imagine that their child might hurt himself. But, sadly, it can be happy even with your young teen. So if he starts to tell you that he wants to disappear or literally die or tries to harm himself, please take it seriously. Keep any sharp objects, weapons, or harmful drugs from your home, and get help immediately.

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Bipolar Disorder Management in Teens

In teenagers or young adults, the indications and management of BP are comparable to those that manifest in adults. However, raising a teen with this illness presents numerous problems. As they grow older, these teens could resent you for enforcing a plan for treating bipolar disorder.

So perhaps the most sensible solution would be to let them join in on the conversation. Have an honest talk regarding the way how to treat BD. Navigate through options with your child’s physician or counselor, and bring your teen along.

Insights And Takeaway To Consider

Similar to adults, it is essential for teens with BP to keep away from drugs and alcohol, as these can interact with their medications or worsen their mood swings. In addition, the hazards of experiencing drug or alcohol abuse are greater in teenagers with BP than in their peers.

It is crucial to keep up with the routines regarding waking and sleeping times and learn effective coping mechanisms for dealing with the stress that comes with bipolar disorder.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Introduction

Bipolar disorder in kids is actually possible. It is frequently diagnosed in older kids and teens, but BP can present in children of all ages. As with adults, BP in children causes mood shift from euphoria or the stage of mania and to the lows of severe depression.

Rebellious conduct and emotional outbursts are typical of children and teens, and in most circumstances, these are not signs of bipolar disorder in teens nor indications of a mental health illness that needs treatment. Of course, almost all children go through rough moments – it’s not uncommon to feel irritable, rebellious, sad, and angry sometimes. But if your child’s manifestations are constant, extreme, or are causing substantial problems, you should think that this is no longer a phase.

Below are some indications of bipolar disorder in kids:

• Impulsive, hyperactive, violent, or socially improper conduct
• Extreme mood swings that are not the same as their typical mood swings
• The temperamental or depressive attitude most of the time or almost daily
• Inflated or elaborate perception of their own abilities
• Careless and precarious behavior that are usually not normal for the child, like having frequent sex with several partners, bizarre and unreasonable spending, drug or alcohol abuse
• Suicidal ideations in older kids and teenagers
• Insomnia or remarkably reduced need for sleep

Kids and teens with bipolar disorder have their symptoms in unique attacks. And in between these attacks, children go back to their typical mood and conduct. Remember that numerous other disorders in children may also lead to bipolar-like indications. These include oppositional defiant disorder, severe depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and anxiety disorders. Diagnosis can be perplexing, as these and the rest of the mental health disorders often happen in conjunction with BP.

Bipolar Treatment

An estimated 10 million Americans diagnosed with bipolar disorder, family members, and significant others are also impacted because they strive to deal with its debilitating effects on them. Numerous methods are being utilized to manage BP, including some psychotherapy and counseling forms and medication therapy. In addition, a certain bipolar treatment known as family-focused counseling or therapy has shown to be effective for many bipolar patients, assisting them in becoming better and decreasing the probability of relapses.

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Initiated by two famous psychologists, this bipolar treatment, which is grounded on family dynamics principles, makes sense, taking into account that the main guardians of individuals, particularly children with BP, have a higher likelihood of developing depression than the general population. In addition, numerous studies have proven that family counseling benefits other family members in the psychotherapy treatment aside from the patient.

During the counseling sessions, the family and the patient are requested to come together and meet with a therapist or counselor experienced in managing BP with this particular form of psychotherapy. Among the objectives of FFT (family-focused therapy) is to strengthen family relationships and is often believed to encourage better outcomes.

How Family Counseling Helps

In a family counseling session, the counselor or therapist aims to educate the family members regarding bipolar disorder and associated problems, which include the fatigue that several family members and other guardians go through when supporting a loved one with BP. In addition, this psychotherapy method strives to provide families with more improved communication skills to lessen stress and work as harmoniously as possible to resolve problems, regardless of whether these problems are directly associated with bipolar disorder.

Family counseling sessions for BP should be able to educate participants on how to:

• Utilize communication skills so that they can engage more efficiently and resolve disagreements with lesser negative emotions.
• Recognize BP manifestations and determine indications of approaching attacks and relapses.
• Take productive actions and steps whenever the patient seems to be experiencing substantial complications with the disorder.
• Utilize problem-solving skills, which include management techniques particularly developed to help deal with BP.

The Efficacy Of FFT Or Family Counseling

Studies have revealed that this form of family counseling can significantly help patients avoid relapses and recuperating from bipolar attacks more rapidly than those who are not going through therapy or counseling interventions.

Family counseling has been more effective than some other types of psychotherapy, like group therapy or CBT, in preventing or reducing relapses, particularly when FFT begins following an acute bipolar attack.

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Patients who present with predominant depressive BP symptoms have a higher likelihood of benefiting from FFT than individuals with mainly manic indications, who have shown to benefit more from cognitive behavioral therapy.

However, it is significant to note that whatever form of therapy for bipolar disorder is used can never cure the illness, as there has been no proven cure as of the present. Furthermore, even patients who have had successful treatment will continue to present with mood changes and longstanding indications of BP. Therefore, treatment and management will have to be continuous.

Family counseling, specifically family-focused therapy, could be the way to alleviate challenging family concerns and enhance the entire family’s capability to better deal with bipolar disorder.

Can you imagine the challenges of diagnosing bipolar disorder in children, who may also experience other psychological disorders? Children need to participate in regular visits to a mental disorder facility, engage in any bipolar disorder activities designed to stimulate their minds, and diligently respond to a range of questionnaires to assess and address the challenges of mood disorders – all to figure out if there’s something wrong with their brains or not.

This process is more common than you may ever know. Many illnesses have similar symptoms, particularly bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with psychological disorders tend to have a short attention span or short patience with people or things; that’s why they might seem aggressive at times. In reality, though, they just had no idea how to express their emotion, so it comes out as aggression.

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My Personal Experience As A Manic-Depressive Child

I received the news that I had bipolar disorder when I was already 21 years old. However, I had been dealing with its child’s symptoms from the age of 13, such as the social isolation of bipolar kids.

Back then, I was labeled as a rebellious child with a disorder. I would always ask my parents to let me hang out with my friends after school, and they would always say no, so I would often sneak out. It did not mean that I was never caught, though. Because of that, I would always get scolded, which was especially challenging for a bipolar child. Still, it did not stop me from sneaking out repeatedly, as children are known to do.

Then, there were times when I would refuse to converse with my family members. They would get mad and assume that I was too childish or full of myself. They would challenge me to run away and then ask how a 13-year-old could stand on her own feet. At first, I tried to explain that I just did not want to talk, but I could not give them a reason for that. It was a challenging period where I struggled with bipolar disorder and my mental health. Consequently, I merely stopped trying to explain and accepted their words, all while battling the complexities of bipolar disorder in children.

One time, my mother came across a little girl with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Her parents were very open about her condition because they wanted other people to be aware that it existed. My mother noticed some of her symptoms in me, so she brought me to a child psychologist. They did some tests and initially diagnosed me with the same disorder as that little girl. Hence, for many years, I thought I had ADHD.

When I turned 21, my doctor passed away, and we had to look for another psychologist. However, the second one that we found questioned the diagnosis that I got at 13 years old. She said that while I did have some ADHD symptoms, I also had other depressive and manic symptoms. Having both sets of symptoms was not too common in children with attention deficit disorder, according to her. That’s when it became known that I had been getting treated for the wrong manic-depressive illness for a long time. Instead of ADHD, what I had was bipolar disorder.

The Signs And Symptoms

Honestly, I was surprised that my mental health was not what I thought it was. Bipolar disorder, for me at that time, was something I was not entirely glad about. I’m relieved that it’s not ADHD, and I could not genuinely accept that fact. The whole fiasco about the wrong treatment made me hesitate to seek mental health help because that mistake that happened years ago was what I held onto. Although, at first, with the symptoms I was experiencing, I thought I would have a different diagnosis. I was expecting to receive a different result, such as clinical depression. But hey, I got almost the same as that one, didn’t I? It’s essential to be aware of mental health disorders in children and teens, including attention deficit hyperactivity, to provide the right support and understanding.

The signs and symptoms I was referring to are usually the common ones. There’s this constant feeling of sadness, restlessness, and irritability most of the time. I thought it was due to stressful situations, but I guess the severe mood swings are uncontrollable sometimes, and that it makes me lose control over my emotions. I frequently suffer from feelings of emptiness and worthlessness despite achieving great things from time to time. It is as if I am not entitled to be happy with the things I worked hard for.

At times, I thought I was okay. But for most of the day, I felt pessimistic about everything. I often show people that I am unbothered by the things surrounding me, but the truth is, I was drowning with thoughts about unnecessary things. Most of the time, they do not make sense and do not even relate to my life struggles at all. I create drama and issues with things I can’t control and feel incapable of doing things alone. This internal turmoil sometimes makes me wonder if I might be dealing with a disorder in children, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s as if there’s a deficit hyperactivity within my mind, causing me to struggle with concentration and emotional regulation.

Surely my mental health state is not in the right state. Losing interest in daily pleasurable but risky activities and even the ones I love, is scary. I lack energy and do not have enough reasons to think about to get through the day. This may seem a little too much, but I guess that’s what deficit hyperactivity disorder can do to my overall well-being.

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What Is The Major Difference Between Unipolar And Manic Depression?

Bipolar depression and unipolar depression manifest with the same depressive symptoms, but there are three major differences:

• Bipolar depression is on the edge of mania all the time.
• Bipolar depression tends to be more episodic compared to unipolar depression.
• Because of mania’s risk, the treatment for bipolar depression is different from that for unipolar depression. 

Can You Have Manic Depression And Major Depression?

If you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you may have depressive episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. You can experience a depressive episode in between if you do not have any indications. Also, it is possible to present with depression and mania symptoms simultaneously, which is often known as the mixed bipolar state. 

Is Manic Depression Worse Than Depression?

Behavioral information found that when the subjects felt normal – meaning that they were not depressed – those diagnosed with bipolar disorder were at their worst in managing sad and happy emotions more than those who had manic depression. However, when they felt depressed, the bipolar subjects were efficient at managing their happy feelings. 

What Are The Four Types Of Manic-Depressive Illness?

The American Psychiatric Association states that there are four major classifications of the disorder. These include bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder secondary to existing substance abuse or medical disorder. 

Do People With Manic-Depressive Illness Ever Feel Normal?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that elicits dramatic mood shifts, along with other symptoms. An individual with the disorder will alternate amidst stages of depression and stages of mania. Additionally, in between these two ends, the individual will experience stages of normal mood. 

Does Manic-Depressive Illness Get Worse As You Age?

The requirement for psychiatric admission in the elderly group is increasing. But in contrast to schizophrenia, wherein about 30% to 50% of cases become better significantly with age, bipolar disorder does not improve with time; In fact, it usually worsens. 

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Can Bipolar People Tell They Are Bipolar?

The truth is that not everyone diagnosed with bipolar disorder is aware that they have the disorder. There are plenty of reasons why a person with the disorder might not recognize it – or perhaps why they may not admit having it despite the fact that they do. 

What Triggers Manic-Depressive Disorder?

Factors that act as triggers for the onset of bipolar disorder include:

• Stages of heightened stress, like a traumatic event or the loss of a loved one
• A first-degree relative, for instance, a sibling or a parent, diagnosed with bipolar disorder
• Alcohol or drug abuse

What Is A Person With A Manic-Depressive Disorder Like?

Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder symptoms have both episodes of mania and severe depression – excitement or joy, overwhelming happiness, decreased inhibitions, heightened energy, and a decreased need for sleep. The experience of bipolar disorder is distinctly personal. No two individuals have precisely the same experience. 

Can Bipolar Go Away?

While bipolar symptoms come and go, the disorder typically necessitates lifetime management and does not disappear by itself. Bipolar disorder can be a huge contributor to suicide, family conflict, and unemployment, but appropriate treatment results in better results. 

What Should You Not Say To Someone With A Manic-Depressive Illness?

Some important things that one must not say to someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder include:

• “Well, all of us have our moods from time to time.”
• “You’re overreacting, you know that?”
• “You are psycho!”
• “Everyone can be a little bipolar at times, right?”
• “If it does not kill you, then it will make you stronger.”
• “Please stop acting like a maniac.”
• “God, I wish I could be manic – then I’d get things done!”

What Are The Symptoms Of A Woman’s Manic-Depressive Illness?

Some bipolar disorder develops indications that are seen both in women and men include:

• Decreased sleep
• Overconfidence or feeling of grandiosity
• Irritable mood
• Easily distracted
• Fast speech flow or racing thoughts
• Increased energy
• Greater than usual frequency of speech

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Is Manic-Depressive Illness Inherited From The Mother Or Father?

Bipolar disorder can be inherited or genetic. But it will typically not be passed on to children. Approximately 1 in 10 children of parents or a parent who has the condition will have the disorder, which is why it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder in children.

What Symptoms Do Men Show When They Have A Manic-Depressive Illness?

The most common indications of bipolar disorder in men include:

• Worse symptoms
• Recurrent manic episodes. Women probably experience more depressive bouts with their bipolar condition. 
• Heightened aggression. When a man is suffering from an episode, he experiences a higher chance of manifesting a higher aggression form. 
• Denial to pursue treatment.
• Co-occurring substance use issues.

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What Are The Indications Of Bipolar Disorder In Children?

Is My Child Bipolar Or ADHD?

What Age Does Manic-Depressive Illness Typically Begin Among Children?

What Childhood Factors Cause Manic-Depressive Illness?

How Do You Calm A Manic-Depressive Child?

Final Thoughts

Despite the innovations in mental health (mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and other psychiatric disorders), it’s sad to say that misdiagnosis is still common among patients who experience symptoms of the condition. There is yet a distinct way of diagnosing bipolar disorder; that’s why many people have a similar experience as I did. My parents would have sued my former psychologist if she were still alive, but I guess the silver lining was that we found out that I had some form of disorder early. Thus, everyone somewhat understood that not all my actions were caused by my true nature. Still, it would have been nice if I had known that I was bipolar much earlier than that.

So as a piece of advice for those individuals like me, who are struggling, please do not hesitate to seek help. And if you are ever unsure of your disorder, always consult another licensed therapist or qualified mental health professional for a second opinion. I did not say that you should not listen to your first therapist or medical provider, though. I am just stating that for a clear and concrete psychological diagnosis, you must at least ask several mental health care professionals so that you would not end up like me, who takes medication for a wrong mental health diagnosis.

I don’t usually talk about my issues. But I sometimes feel like my feelings are somewhat irrelevant when I do. Not because I don’t value what I feel, but because I sometimes knew that my separation anxiety is often the reason I always end up alone.

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Dealing with a psychological condition is hard because it can entirely change someone’s life in an instant. Although I already have an early diagnosis, I still do not want to believe that my “supposed” clinginess was associated with the condition.

I often think that the way I care about people is genuinely part of my character. Whenever my loved ones leave or are somewhat out of reach, I get distracted, sad, and agitated. Honestly, I thought it was usual, and everyone deals with separation anxiety normally. The more I got into it and experienced many complicated mental conditions, the more I knew I was not mentally okay. Fortunately, with all the frequently asked questions in my head, I managed to get some answers. Let me share some of those with you.

Dealing With Separation Anxiety

To deal with separation anxiety disorder, you need to consider the following things: Practice good-natured separation, develop a quick and comfortable “goodbye” ritual, schedule separation during naps, and leave without a big deal. Also, keep familiar surroundings whenever possible and only leave the premises when other activities can take place.

Note that by making these suggestions, you might experience a slight comfort. But the whole process requires a lot of time. Thus, there is no guarantee that even if you managed to pull through with the condition, you wouldn’t experience separation anxiety disorder anymore because you will still do. At the end of the day, prevention is still better than cure which is why it is best to have your thoughts and feelings monitored before the condition develops.

How Is The Condition Affecting Adults?

Adults with this disorder experience high levels of nervousness. The feelings sometimes elevate to panic attacks. That is especially when no one is around or loved ones are out of reach. Adults with the condition usually socially withdraw themselves from everyone. They also show extreme sadness, agitation, and physical discomfort. In some instances, they also experience difficulty concentrating when alone.

Generally speaking, the condition can lead someone into an entirely complicated and isolated life. It would be sad and lonely because the mental health condition will not allow you to experience and learn new things independently. Usually, due to mental illness, you get to rely on everyone around you. There is the constant fear of being unaccompanied due to the anticipated separation.

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What causes separation anxiety disorder?

Some of the factors that cause the condition are life stressors. It is inevitable how life stresses us sometimes. It will give us challenges that could come from grief from the loss of a beloved pet, the death of a loved one, the divorce of parents, or moving or going away to a different place.

People deal with the condition differently because their triggers vary. Some individuals can handle situations despite not being near their loved ones. However, for individuals with a mental condition, the whole experience is crippling, devastating, mentally, and emotionally exhausting.

What are the three known stages of separation anxiety?

The three known stages of the condition are protest, despair, and detachment. The protest starts right after there is separation. Usually, it can last up to weeks of feeling sad and lonely. People can sometimes manage it since it is quite a common scenario that brings that kind of usual feeling. Then, there is despair. It accompanies signs of excessive distress, such as crying and tantrum behavior. People usually couldn’t understand the reason for it and assumed that one misses his loved ones. Then there’s detachment, where there is avoidance of people, places, or activities associated with a separated person, past trauma, or event.

How long can separation anxiety last?

The condition happens automatically when there’s a split. Usually, eighteen months and then fades during the last few months of the second year. However, there are some cases that this phase affects a person’s emotional development. Some might handle it accordingly, while others will experience a deep sense of emotional and mental pain.

With that particular impact, it is vital to consider things. Instead of forcing people to forget about their mental and emotional dilemmas, they need to take things slowly. They need to understand that any kind of separation is heartbreaking. But it is not enough reason not to move on and continue living.

At what age is separation anxiety the worst?

It can occur in individuals as early as 4 to 5 months of age. And the most developed stage would be visible at around nine months.

How do you deal with bedtime separation anxiety?

Managing the condition requires consistency. For example, there must be an engagement in calming routines and reassessments of daytime and bedtime schedules. It is vital to be careful about introducing new habits, especially when not fully adjusted to the emotional and mental pain.

It will help if you seek professional guidance from a therapist on some of the things you can do to ease your mental problem.

What is anxiety separation disorder?

The mental disorder causes significant distress in daily functioning. Symptoms can be excessive for the developmental age. These can include recurrent and unwarranted stress and sometimes repeated nightmares from being away from a familiar place such as home or school or away from loved ones.

How do I cope with anxiety?

To cope with anxiety, you need to consider taking things one at a time. Also, it would assist if you focused on keeping your overall well-being healthy. You can do it by getting enough sleep, hydrating, eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness. You can also cope with the condition naturally by letting your emotions out. Talking to friends and family would be a great help.

Always remember that you are not alone. You can seek immediate professional help if you have to. Do not be afraid and feel discouraged just because you thought you were going through some detrimental phase in your life. Everyone deals with their issues, and the condition is just a small percentage of those mental illnesses out there.

Is separation anxiety a sign of autism?

Well, not entirely in all cases. Children with autism express fear or nervousness in many of the same ways as others typically develop. However, most children do experience the condition without any association with autism. Still, it is on a case-to-case basis, and other children may experience it differently compared to others. Almost all of them struggle with parting ways with trusted parents or caregivers to go to school or camp.

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How can you tell if a girl has autism?

You can tell if a girl has autism when she’s unable to look at or listen to people, has inappropriate or no facial gestures, resists touching, inability to start a conversation, inability to keep a conversation going, does not respond to her name, and prefers being alone.

Is autism just anxiety?

Anxiety is not considered a definite highlight of Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, at least 40% of young people with mental conditions experience clinically elevated stress levels. Usually, some of them even develop at least one disorder, including obsessive-compulsive disorder.

How do I stop autism anxiety?

Getting help with managing anxiety in autistic requires cognitive behavioral therapy. It is a process that helps develop skills to change people’s thinking to deal with anxious situations. Cognitive behavioral therapy therapy supports gradual exposure to help people with ASD face their fears.

So far, those are some of the frequently asked questions I managed to find answers to. If you need to learn more, you can try and consult an expert for additional information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What separation anxiety feels like?

I met Daniel at a gala event for my publishing company, where I worked as a writer and editor, and a co-worker was a friend of his. He was undoubtedly a stunner, considering he towered over everyone at 6’4” and could pass as David Beckham’s younger brother. Moving on, I snatched glances in his direction throughout the night and felt a tinge of longing and jealousy whenever Daniel laughed with others, wishing he was doing it with me. But I can’t bear to introduce myself first because, well, that’s not very lady-like.

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When the party was over, I thought it was the last time I would see Daniel. I gave him one last look before I walked towards my car, but before I reached the grand staircase, someone yelled, “Miss! Miss!”

My head whipped around so fast, I got dizzy (true story). Once my eyes could focus again, I saw Daniel smiling at me. Confused, I said, “Were you calling me?”

“Yes, I was. I’m sorry for yelling like a lunatic; I just worried that you might go home without me being able to say hi to you,” Daniel uttered bashfully. His ears turned a light shade of pink – he was blushing!

Still, I tried to hide the fact that I was swooning over him deep inside. Trying to be cool, I replied, “Hmm, hello, I’m Jazz. Nice to meet you.”

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“My name is Daniel. Nice to meet you, too. Please don’t think I’m a creep, but I must admit that I had been watching you all night but couldn’t pluck up the courage to come up to you.”

“Why would you want to do that?” I asked.

“For one, I think you are stunning. You caught my attention as soon as I arrived. Secondly, I want to get to know you more. Can we meet over coffee tomorrow morning?”

Knowing Daniel

Of course, the man did not need to ask me twice; I said yes to the morning date, exchanged contact details with him, and drove home to get some beauty rest. I did not want Daniel to see bags under my eyes, after all. My gut feeling told me that we might have a future together, and I hoped it was true.

Like we agreed upon, Daniel was already waiting for me at the coffee shop the next day. After the pleasantries, we decided to do a little Q&A with each other. I told him how many boyfriends I had, what kind of job I did at the publishing company, what my favorites were, etc. He was super attentive and polite and gentlemanly – everything I was looking for in a potential boyfriend.

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Then came the question, “How soon do you want to get married when you find the one?”

Daniel told me that he had been married before for ten years and that the divorce was finalized in 2016. He also said that he was co-parenting with his ex, who is someone with bipolar disorder, and his kid stayed with him four out of seven days. Instead of feeling turned off, I found the man with the bipolar disorder admirable. I thought, If Daniel is this responsible, I don’t mind being a stepmother to his child and work on extreme shifts. It was not a bad idea.

It was the beginning of an exciting feelings and happy relationship between Daniel and me. We were not officially together, but we were more than friends. He would always call me after work and take me out for lunch or dinner. I even met his son once, and he seemed cool with the idea of his dad dating again. So, nothing was getting in our way – or so I thought.

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Here Comes The Ex-Bride

I received a call from Daniel one day, asking if he could come over to talk. I noticed the difference in his tone right away, considering he did not sound as happy as he used to be. When Daniel arrived in time, he wrung his hands while telling me that his ex-wife did not want him to see other women.

Unable to comprehend why his ex’s opinion mattered, I asked, “Does that mean we can’t see each other anymore?” I believe it was one of the red flags I didn’t want to consider.

Daniel took my hands and said, “No, no. But we need to be careful about it. She is on heavy medication for bipolar disorder, you see. It stresses me out too, but I can’t do anything.”

That’s where Daniel was wrong, and I told him that. He allowed his ex-wife to dictate how he should live his life even after their marriage dissolved, and it was obviously making him unhappy. Understandably, his wife with bipolar disorder or living with bipolar should not be in control “You keep walking on eggshells because of her mental health, but have you ever thought of protecting your mental health?” I asked. I thought it’s important for him not to suffer from depressive episodes or manic episodes just because his wife was dealing with a mental health issue.

I know that a person with bipolar disorder can sometimes ruin their relationships. Thus, living with bipolar disorder is complicated and requires understanding, patience, and attention.

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How To Protect Your Mental Health When Your Bipolar Ex Struggle To Go Ahead

• Create a clear boundary with your ex and make them see that your relationship is over.
• Keep your mood conversations strictly about the child (if you have any) to show that you are not as close as before.
• File for sole child custody if the ex’s mental health disorder will possibly affect the child.

Not taking any of these measures will make the ex think that they can rain on your parade whenever possible. If dealing with your bipolar ex can’t move on becomes overwhelming, and if your mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, cause you emotional pain, consider seeking therapy from a mental health professional. That way, you can get enough treatment for emotional support from your mental illness and feel that a depressive episode and mental health problem require attention.

FAQs

How Do Bipolar People React To Break Ups?

Do Bipolar People Struggle With Breakups?

Do People With Bipolar Disorder Feel Heartbreak?

Do People With Bipolar Disorder Come Back To A Healthy Relationship?

Do People With Cyclothymic Disorder Regret Breakups?

Should You Argue With A Person Diagnosed With Cyclothymic Disorder?

Do bipolar people regret breakups?

Can a person with cyclothymic disorder stop loving someone?

Do people with cyclothymic disorder hurt the ones they love?

Are people with bipolar manipulative?

Do people with cyclothymic disorder care about anyone?

Do bipolar people get very angry?

Why do bipolar people avoid romantic relationships?

Why do bipolar people avoid relationships?

How do you calm a bipolar person?

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Despite the fact that bipolar disorder is more common in older teens and young adults, it may present in children younger than seven years old. The signs of bipolar disorder in teens are also different than the ones in children. In the past years, it has become a provocative diagnosis. Some scientists believe that it is very uncommon and just over-diagnosed, while others would suggest the opposite. Currently, it isn’t easy to know for sure how rare or common it really is.

Another illness referred to as Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, or DMDD, has also been considered to describe kids from 6 to 18 who manifest with extreme and insistent irritability and temper flare-ups that do not have concrete definitions for it to be considered bipolar. Hence, it is vital not to jump into conclusions. If a child in your family has bipolar disorder, it is wise to get another opinion prior to deciding on what treatment plan to utilize. Be sure that you are confident of the healthcare professional that your child will be dealing with.

Bipolar Disorder in Children

Making a diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children is not easy at all, as several of the symptoms are comparable to that of ADHD and other behavioral conditions. One concern is that prescription medications that are indicated for ADHD are usually stimulants that could possibly induce mania in kids with bipolar disorder. Young children that present with mania may be more aggressive and short-tempered compared to adults, and they have a higher likelihood of having psychotic symptoms as well. When they are experiencing a depressive episode, on the other hand, they are most likely to complain of body aches and pains.

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A remarkable difference is that bipolar disorder in the young has more quick cycles compared to that of the adults. While depressive and manic episodes might present separately by months or years in young adults, they can also occur within one day in children.

Helping Your Child With Bipolar Disorder

As parents of a bipolar child, there are things you can do to help your child maintain his mental and emotional well-being.

• Monitor strict medication instructions. You definitely must be sure that your bipolar child takes the medication that she needs. Utilize pillboxes, timers, or notes to help you remember the schedule. If she must take a pill at school, communicate with her teacher or the school nurse to assist your child in taking the medication – that is their responsibility.

• Keep track of the side effects. Most prescription medications for bipolar disorder – which include antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants – were previously experimented on adults, and only very few were studied on young kids and adolescents. Some children are more susceptible to getting side effects from these drugs, like weight gain and alterations in cholesterol and blood sugar due to some antipsychotics. Talk to your child’s doctor and discuss what symptoms you should be watchful for.

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• Communicate with your child’s teachers. There are bipolar cases where your child might require special support and allowances at school. They may require more breaks or fewer assignments during their manic or depressive episodes. Discuss and develop a plan with the teachers of your child, and observe for other issues like the social isolation of bipolar kids. There will be times when your child may need to be taken out of the school premises for a while, just for the bipolar symptoms to be pacified and controlled.

• Maintain a routine. Bipolar children do benefit from keeping a routine. Please help your child get up from bed, eat her meals, do some physical activity, and go to sleep at similar times every day as possible. Try your best to lessen the stress in the family.

• Talk about family therapy. Having a bipolar child can be problematic and disrupting the entire family. It places extra stress on a couple’s marriage, and your other kids might not be able to understand the condition of their sibling. They may even feel annoyed because of the attention that their sibling is getting. Consulting a family therapist can certainly help everyone acknowledge and manage the effects of bipolar disorder on the family.

• Do not ignore suicidal threats. Parents do not want to think that their children can hurt themselves. Sadly, things like this could happen even with your young child. So if your beloved child starts expressing the desire to hurt herself or presents with deadly behaviors, do not in any way neglect it. Get rid of all dangerous pills or weapons inside your house. And don’t forget to seek help immediately.

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Bipolar Teens

The symptoms and management for older teens with the disorder are more or less the same as with the adults, although a bipolar teen manifests with more definite problems. As they grow older, teens may feel resentful if they notice that you are trying to impose treatments on them. You can try to prevent this by allowing them to join your conversations regarding their management. Talk freely – together with your child’s healthcare provider – about their treatment preferences. Avoid creating a confrontational relationship with your teen because of their treatments or medications.

As for the adults, it is vital to let your bipolar teen avoid drugs and alcohol, as these will adversely react with the medications that he is taking. They have a higher likelihood of developing problems such as substance abuse. It is also crucial to keep the usual routines associated with sleeping and waking and to be able to learn efficient coping skills for dealing with stress, anxiety, and other problems arising from bipolar disorder.

For a teenager to learn that he or she has a psychological illness – a bipolar disorder, no less – it can only be devastating. The initial set of words that you might get out of them is, “How can my schoolmates look up to me if they find out I’m unstable mentally?” or “My crush will never want me now!” Most adolescents tend to worry about mundane issues like that with or without an incurable disease, however, so that’s not super shocking.

“Bipolar disorder is usually treated with a combination of medications (including mood stabilizers and antidepressants) and talk therapy.” – Kathleen Cairns, PsyD

What they don’t comprehend is how lucky they are for getting a diagnosis at an early age. Many individuals are not that fortunate as their doctors can’t or won’t even give a name to their real problem until adulthood. Thus, folks who assume they have bipolar disorder but still haven’t received confirmation may become confused and stressed out because of it.

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According to Robin Mohilner, LMFT, “Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by mood instability that includes both depressed mood and manic or hypomanic mood.”

Considering your teenage kid is in a relatable situation, and you don’t know how to make things better for him or her, you should check out these tips.

1. Distinguish Your Strengths

The first thing you have to reflect on is yourself. Notably, your strong points as a parent. Say, are you good at consoling your children with words alone? Do they perceive you as the cool mom or dad who can take them to any place they want to visit?

If the response is yes in any of the two queries above – or you can think of other parenting stuff you are excellent at – then you need to stick with that. It is more favorable than pulling a new stunt; if the latter fails massively, it might trigger your child’s depression. So, it is vital for you to recognize your strengths immediately to help your kid who potentially has a bipolar disorder forget about it once in a while.

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“When it comes to successfully treating a mental health disorder, it’s important that you have the correct diagnosis—which is easier said than done.” – Kathleen Cairns, PsyD

2. Accept Their Weaknesses

At the same time, you cannot overlook to figure out what their weaknesses may be. You have to do that not because it will keep them on their toes but because it will stop you from pushing your child to work on something he or she thinks is impossible. You want him or her to overcome such fears – that’s understandable. However, it’s plain wrong to stress the kid out and not let him or her conquer those weak spots in their own time.

3. Open Every Communication Line Possible

Many teenagers are the same in the sense that they don’t feel like burdening their elders with their worries. As a result, they end up bottling up all the negative feelings, or worse, self-harming or attempting suicide to ease their pain.

Before that happens in your household, you should reassure your kid daily that he or she can talk to you about anything. Perhaps you can start by telling him or her about your day too until he or she warms up and converses with you. This way, you’ll be able to relieve some of their stress and connect with your beloved son or daughter.

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Don’t ever assume that paying for your teenage child’s medical bills is enough to help him or her get through their ordeals. Showing your love and giving your 100% attention to them is only a couple of things you should do to help them get rid of stressful thoughts brought by potentially having bipolar disorder. In truth, you can even pay for their online counseling (via BetterHelp perhaps) so that mental health professionals can reassure them and keep them from going down the depression lane.

Good luck!

“Sometimes referred to as manic depression, bipolar depression ranges from “depression so low you can’t get out of bed” to manic highs of euphoria and “talking so fast and furiously, you can’t follow the train of thought.” – Beth Esposito, MS, LPCC-S, LSW

Everything about COVID-19 is creating unprecedented challenges for most people. Understandably, it is reasonable to feel anxious and stressed because no one is in control right now. But the emotional and mental problems caused by the virus are not limited to adults only. Yes, children, at any particular age, can also experience behavioral and psychological issues. But there is nothing too much to worry about that because there are actions we can take to protect our children. We can help them understand their emotional and mental issues better, adapt to the situation, and recover from the traumatic experience.

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Stay Calm And Positive

It is entirely essential to remember that in terms of protecting our kids, we must stay positive and calm. That way, we can avoid associating our adverse reaction to our fear and anxiety. We have to be truthful and honest with the kids about everything that has been going around, no matter what the situation is. We have to admit to the children that we are uncertain about what the pandemic can do in the future. Thus, it is okay to tell them we are also frightened; however, not in a way that our emotions will negatively influence them.

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Keep An Active Routine

With all the drastic changes that our children need to deal with during this pandemic, we must help them establish better routines. We have to make sure that our kids go to sleep on time so that they get the necessary hours of sleep for the rejuvenation of mind and body. We have to set a schedule where there is a time for self-care, leisure, and family time. We need to come up with better things to do at home to secure our children’s emotional and mental wellbeing.

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Focus On Healthy Activities

One of the best ways we can protect our kids from getting infected is by helping them manage a better lifestyle. Kids nowadays are stagnant at home. Most are often binge-watching and spending too much time on their computers and smartphones. Therefore, we need to ensure they still get the right amount of physical health they need. We have to give our children enough time to run and play inside the house or on our lawn if that is available. Or we can ask them to do simple chores so they can still move their bodies from time to time.

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Give Them Proper Nourishment

The virus affects our immune system. With that, we need to make sure that our kids’ bodies can handle the infection. To do that, we need to give our kids proper nourishment. They must eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, there will be a time that organic products are not available. So we need to supply our children with multivitamins to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients they need for immune system enhancement. In addition, we must encourage the children to keep themselves hydrated all the time. Thus, we need to constantly remind them to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day.

Be An Example

All of us want our kids to listen and obey us. So as much as possible, we want them to wash their hands frequently and practice social distancing. However, there are times that kids’ curiosity is unpredictable. As a result, some of them won’t listen to what we tell them. With that, we need to be mindful of handling this stressful situation smoothly. So, if we want our kids to follow instructions, we should set as an example. We need to show the children the proper way of taking safety precautions.

As a mom, all I can care about is my child’s safety. That is why, after the outbreak, I did my best to keep my son away from the virus. I often watched the news to get the latest updates on how the virus is progressing. I thought to myself that if I have all the information I need, I will be able to protect my child from the disease.

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The Safety Measures

Since I thought I am well-aware of what is going on concerning the Coronavirus, I made it clear not to allow my child to all sorts of exposure. It is already hard for him to maintain better health due to his bipolar condition, and this pandemic made it worse. With that, I managed to teach him the essence of social distancing, and he obeyed every single reminder diligently. I made sure that my son always washes his hands every time he touched something. That is regardless if I already disinfected the item or not. I often told my son that prevention is better than cure. And since there is no cure yet to the disease, preventing the spread is our best option.

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The eagerness to protect my child didn’t stop there. I made sure that he eats healthy and nutritious food since I heard that the disease targets the immune system. I also encouraged him to exercise and work on some little physical activities from time to time. I let him play in the house, and sometimes do chores together with him. I also managed to motivate to sleep 8 to 10 hours a day. I was confident that with everything I know about the virus, I could protect my son at all costs. But I was wrong.

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The Painful Agony

It was on March 23rd when my son got a fever. Honestly, I was having thoughts about him getting infected, but I shrug it off. I was confident that I am following every single safety measure out there that can protect him from the virus. So I thought there’s no way it could happen. However, after a few more days, he asked me to get him tested. My son was certain that he was infected, but I didn’t buy it. I told my son that insisting on going to the hospital will make his situation worse since there are a lot of cases of infection in that particular place. But as I maintained my stubbornness, my son’s health continued to deteriorate.

It was April 6th, almost two weeks since he suffered from a fever. I went to my son’s room to check up on him because he was lying in bed for two days already. When I got to his room, I saw him gasping for air as he was about to open his bedroom window. At that particular moment, I knew I messed up. Then I ran towards my son and called 911. I immediately asked for medical assistance. After a few minutes, the help arrived.

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The Moment Of Truth

They took my son in an ambulance. As I was about to hop in, but the medical provider told me not to come because I wasn’t allowed. I was in a rage because that is my son’s life on the line. But the woman insisted that I should follow the social distancing protocol. I realized I would not win an argument against her, so I stayed. I watch the vehicle from afar, taking away my precious son.

After 2 hours, I received a call from the hospital. The woman on the line told me that my son is positive with the virus and didn’t make it. It was so emotionally and mentally painful. But the worse part, I wasn’t there with him even on his last breath.

In case of loss, feel free to go to BetterHelp. Talking to a licensed therapist is the best way to deal with grief.