Parents for BP Kids

One of the things that you must know about parenting is the fact that any parent is willing and aiming to do whatever it takes to make her child happy and cheerful. According to a psychologist, it is only typical for any parent to want nothing but the best for her kid. The true reason behind this is the fact that parenthood changes a person. Cliché as it may sound, but it is true that the moment you become a parent, everything in your life changes and all your focus will be directed to your child.

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“In colloquial speech, it’s common for the word “bipolar” to be used as an adjective,” said Lauren Pedersen, LMFT.

The reason why we are discussing this matter is that we want to instill to the mind of your readers that any parent can be protective and sensitive when it comes to her child. Therefore, you have to be careful in dealing with one’s child or kid, especially if the latter is someone with bipolar disorder. We understand that it can be challenging to do this since not everyone is well versed or oriented with bipolar disorder. Do not fret because we are going to share some tips on how you can do it the right way. Here are things to keep in mind:

Read More About It

Avoid keeping yourself on the dark and focus on improving your learning or understanding about the psychological disorders that a child may have. In so doing, you are giving yourself a chance to be more sensitive when it comes to handling your relations or connections with children who have a mental illness or personality disorders. Stop making an excuse that you are not aware of the signs and symptoms. Nowadays, you can quickly get free resources from the Internet that can explain what bipolar disorder is.

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“People with Bipolar Disorder can become suicidal and abuse substances during both manic and depressive episodes.” – Robin Mohilner, LMFT

Watch Your Words

When speaking to a child with bipolar disorder, it is essential for you to master the art of communicating. As much as possible, watch your language so that you will not end up offending the child. You must understand that it is possible that you can trigger the symptoms of the said disorder if you are not careful with what you will say to a bipolar child. If you are not sure about what to say, it is best if you will just keep your mouth shut.

Keep On Asking Questions

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Another thing that you must take note is the need to feel free to ask any question or clarification about bipolar disorder. You can even make inquiries to the parents of the bipolar kid so that you will get an idea on how best to handle any situation involving the former. However, you must be careful when it comes to making inquiries so that you will not look like a fool. Aside from this, you have to do it to ensure that your friend will not be offended by your questions. If the answer to the question is too obvious, then you better not ask it.

“People living with bipolar disorder experience their own unique set of symptoms and mood fluctuations,” said Colleen King, LMFT.

Increase Your Patience

A child who is diagnosed with bipolar disorder may be challenging to deal with because he will show unusual characteristics. There are even times when your patience may run out whenever you have a negative encounter with them. For this reason, it is ideal if you will learn how to increase your patience and understanding even more. Take note that the said child is difficult to handle because he does not know what he is doing. He needs to go through treatment or take medications before he can heal. While he is still doing it, be sure to be more kind whenever he is around.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of how to best handle someone who has a bipolar disorder, particularly a kid or a child, it is expected that you will follow everything on the list. Keep in mind that you have to master it so that you can become excellent in handling situations involving someone with a psychological disorder. Do not treat the said person similarly to other individuals. Always remind yourself that a bipolar child deserves a more specialized treatment compared to someone who is diagnosed to be free from any form of the disorder.

Online therapy versus in-person therapy

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Online therapy versus in-person therapy, which type of therapy is better for mental health treatment? Are online therapy services exceptional compared to in-person therapy? Choose between online therapy versus in-person therapy.

Our world continues to digitize our practices. Therapy is no exception. With such constant changes, we lose and gain factors that may both improve or decrease the quality of desired outcomes. This case is quite similar to online therapy platforms and in-person mental healthcare treatment options. Online therapy and in person sessions have some advantages and disadvantages. However, they are still valid therapy sessions for treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and more. Here are some of the online and traditional therapy advantages and disadvantages.

Online Therapy And In-Person Therapy Difference

What Is In-Person Therapy?

Offline mental health services options are in-person sessions where a patient visits a licensed mental health therapist’s office or clinic. It’s the traditional, in-person method that a therapist might use. Here, there is a traditional interaction and at times, physical support and assistance. Each phase of the traditional therapy session is conducted regularly in the therapist’s office.

Online versus in-person therapy is a debate that’s been going on for a while, especially for people with severe mental illness. While health insurance companies cover both types of therapy, online therapy is becoming increasingly popular for anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses. Online therapy can be more accessible and convenient with a virtual therapist, especially for people who live in remote areas, have limited mobility, or struggle with transportation. However, a reliable internet connection is crucial for effective online therapy, and many insurance companies don’t cover it. Additionally, traditional therapy can offer additional nonverbal insights that virtual therapy may lack. Ultimately, the choice between online and traditional therapy depends on personal preferences, health, and individual circumstances.

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What Are The Advantages Of Traditional Therapy Sessions?

1. Comfortable Environment

The fact that the patient and therapist are in face-to-face sessions enables the licensed therapist to build an emotional rapport with the help of body language or nonverbal cues. Through this, you get to build a comfortable relationship with your patient. They are more likely to be open about their mental health issues and mental health problems.

2. Physical Assistance

Physical assistance and professional support are essential for licensed therapists. It becomes possible to obtain a proper diagnosis of the patient’s mental health condition if they are there with them. Also, this is a necessity for those undergoing physical intervention. By being with their clients, the therapists can conduct regular check-ups in person. Doing so allows them to create the most suitable therapy session plan for their clients.

3. All Around Help

Specific remedies help you physically, emotionally, and mentally. More options are available through offline therapy sessions. The counselor can visually check for both your internal and external condition and mental health needs. The process is almost like “hitting two birds with one stone.”

In-Person Therapy Disadvantages

1. Lack Of Immediate Responses

You first need to check the schedule of a licensed therapist in your area. There are times when they are unavailable or the therapist’s office is inaccessible. If you are looking to address your mental health issue as soon as possible, this may not be the service appropriate for your mental health needs.

2. Difficult For Some People

Some patients remain quiet during in-person sessions. They are unwilling to cooperate or talk to the therapist. This conduct is the case for those struggling with social anxiety or who are merely embarrassed to talk about their mental health problems.

Online Therapy Platform Guide

Online or virtual therapy setup involves the provisioned use of an internet connection. Virtual therapy sessions typically come in different platforms such as email, video conferencing, or real-time chat. This type of virtual therapy service generally is for mental health conditions and nutritional treatment.

The debate between online versus face-to-face therapy is ongoing, but with insurance coverage increasingly available for both, it’s worth considering the unique benefits of each. Virtual therapies, often conducted via video chat, gain popularity in recent years as a way to reduce symptoms from the comfort of the client’s environment. While face-to-face therapy offers additional nonverbal insights with the help of an insurance company, virtual therapy can be more accessible and convenient, especially for people with mobility issues or who live in remote areas.

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“Bipolar I includes very clear manic episodes that are hard to miss, whereas bipolar II doesn’t necessarily have that.” – says Sally Winston, PsyD.

Virtual Therapy Treatment Advantages

• Much Cheaper

There are times when mental health professionals are unavailable. Due to this, you may end up with an expensive one or unable to go at all. Getting therapy online is a different story. Online counseling experts and therapists, on the other hand, are a cheaper alternative. You can also cut off expenses from traveling to their offices for face-to-face therapy by just connecting virtually.

• Logistical Availability

Some mental health issues hinder you from going out, and it makes it harder for you to treat your mental health condition. Therefore, some prefer easy access to virtual sessions where they can get help in the comfort of their own home especially if they are far from any available mental health treatment in your area or rural areas.

• Confidential

Some treatment services using virtual therapy allow their patients to remain anonymous. Instead of asking for their patient’s name and other private information, they will only ask for their method of payment and email. The patient can prevent their friends and family from knowing that they are undergoing therapy sessions.

“While bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder (BPD) might sound similar at first, aside from a few symptoms the two have in common—impulsivity, promiscuity, and rage—the conditions are actually very different.” – Kathleen Cairns, PsyD

Virtual Therapy Treatment Disadvantages

• Limited To Some Mental Issues

This form of therapy services works best for clients undergoing anxiety or depression. It also offers advice on stress management, career, and relationship issues. Those in need of physical intervention may not find the services they need through words they only hear or read. Also, treatment options including Art, Music, Eye Movement Edenization, and Reprocessing Therapy are almost impossible to conduct.

• Restrictions In Interactions

The relationship between patient and therapist is built on trust, so it might not be as effective as in person in that respect. With the lack of specific interactions, it may be hard for the professional to see improvements or changes in patients. Pieces of advice may not always work out for the best especially when you only see improvement through words. It is for the case of therapies done through real-time chat or email.

Insights And Takeaway

When it comes to online versus in-person therapy, finding the right therapist or new therapist is key to treating your health conditions. While cost can vary depending on the provider and the type of psychotherapy being offered, more people are turning to online as a convenient option that allows them to participate from the comfort of their own homes. For example, some people may prefer traditional for the opportunity to meet face-to-face with their therapist and establish a deeper connection.

Both mental health support and mental health services have their advantages and disadvantages. Being aware and informed of the pros and cons of online and face-to-face therapy allows you to choose the most suitable one for your mental health needs. Hopefully, this article gave you a better insight into choosing the best option for treatment between in-person and virtual therapy.

“Depression treatment that works for one person, however, may not work for another. That’s because depression varies from one person to the next – in severity and type.” – Beth Esposito, MS, LPCC-S, LSW

FAQs

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People have their ups and downs from time to time. This is why it is not a surprise if anxiety takes place. No one can tell who’s going to have it or when it’s going to happen. Though it is natural for a person’s mood to change now and then, still, there are instances when the anxiety levels become too much.

“If we feel anxious, most of us believe we need to get ourselves under control.” – Alicia H. Clark, PsyD

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A strong support system always starts within the family. Having bipolar kids is challenging most especially to the parents. However, it is not without a scientific solution. There is a wide range of therapy that can mitigate and eventually treat this disorder.

Having bipolar disorder can cause depression to your children. According to Beth Esposito, MS, LPCC-S, LSW, “If you experience one episode of depression, you are at risk of recurring bouts.”

The characteristics of bipolar disorder in children are intense mood swings, hyperactivity, and extreme behavior changes. They could be feeling intense sadness and anxiety one minute; the next, they could be excessively aggressive. Children with bipolar disorder have a problem with focus, emotion control, and social skills.

As mentioned, there are scientific treatments that lessen and mitigate these conditions and effects of bipolar disorder. However, they are at their most potent when accompanied by healthy hobbies to develop the skills made challenging by the disease. 

“Suicide is “an ever-present danger” in people with bipolar disorder because they may become suicidal during a manic state.” – Kathleen Cairns, PsyD

Exercise

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Physical fitness is the best pill to boost physical and mental strength. Some parents may complain that their kid is so energetic. Some may complain that their child’s energy is too low. Exercise helps in balancing it all out.

Working out (cardio most especially) is the most recommended activity by psychiatrists for patients with bipolar disorder. Getting out of the house and occupying oneself with some physical activities can effectively elevate one’s mood.

This hobby does not need any expensive facilities and equipment. Accompany your child every morning or every afternoon to jog, do some jumping jack routines, and run outside. You may also encourage him or her to participate in some sports of their choice.

According to Sally Winston, PsyD, “It takes longer to be diagnosed with bipolar II because the lack of the signature extreme mania makes it difficult.”

Activities That Will Develop Their Creativity

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More often than not, children with bipolar disorder are artistically inclined. Doctors say that the extra energy that these children manifest may unleash their creativity. Of course, your kid will still need guidance from you. Teach your kids how to properly realize and unleash their talents without putting too much pressure.

Your kid may be musically inclined. Research shows that songs have therapeutic effects on the listeners. You can easily find out this effect by playing a simple tune and see how it makes your child behave well. To test if your child has an interest in making music at a young age, buy him or her different toy instruments. Schedule music lessons at different times of the day and observe.

Arts and crafts are the best manifestations of child creativity. Buy your child jumbo sets of crayons and lots of supplies of bond papers. You may also teach him or her clay art. However, be careful and mindful of showing him or her that these toys are not to eat. Don’t take for granted the non-toxic labels of these materials.

Whatever talent your child has, always be thankful and proud of the results he or she is showing you. Establish a reward system and also learn how to reprimand your child for any bad behavior he or she may manifest. Doing so will teach him what is right and wrong. These will also introduce him to the proper and necessary socialization skills once he goes out of the house.

A Simple Walk In The Park

Focus-enhancing activities such as yoga, a simple walk, and a regular swim also help a lot. These exercises with continuous movement and high concentration requirement will help in relieving stress. These are also the most natural techniques to boost mental health if your child is too tired to stick to the regular cardio workout sessions.

Accompany your child one of these days to a little walk somewhere with fresh air and green surroundings. Bipolar children are also susceptible to depressive moods and even suicidal thoughts if you don’t pay attention to their mental health. Moreover, don’t forget yourself. We all know how painful it is for a parent to discipline and take care of their kid and accept that he or she has this kind of disorder. The walk will be beneficial for both of you. Don’t take even your mental health for granted.

It feels good that you are also healing mentally and emotionally with your child. Make it a habit that both of you jog or walk around the neighborhood. It may look like a simple and inconsequential activity, but it will help you take a deep breath of fresh air to align your mood and thinking.

Take Lessons

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As previously mentioned, you can take your child to the field and introduce him or her to different sports. If your kid shows any liking or interest, enroll him right away to a special needs-friendly school.

Joining team sports is a perfect avenue to develop a positive image and better self-esteem. Joining any classes can also develop social skills as exposing your child to his or her peers will help in his ability to talk and be attentive to other people.

Remember: consistency is always the key. Be an example to your children. Develop these healthy habits in such a way that your kid will be able to follow and stick to these plans strictly. If both of you consistently do these routines, they will effectively fulfill their purpose.

There are many challenges that every parent must face. Unfortunately, there is no escape button whenever you start to encounter the hardships of becoming a mother to your child. This is the primary reason why you need to be a tough parent, by knowing all the proper remedies for every problem that may come your way.

According to Stephanie Samar, PsyD, “Children need to learn that we all have a range of feelings.”

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One of the common issues of dealing with a child who has a bipolar disorder is the occurrence of tantrums. No matter how much you value or take good care of your beloved son, there will always come a time when his outbursts would show up. Fortunately, there are tons of ways on how to deal with it. Here are some of the things that you must master:

Remain Calm At All Times

Be mindful of all your actions the moment your child starts to have tantrums. Take note that there must have been something that has triggered the outbursts. What you need to do is to remain calm so that you can determine what caused the tantrums. Never panic, especially you are in a public place. If you think that you can no longer handle the tantrums at a particular time it happens, the best option that you can do is to ask for help from other people around.

“Welcome to the Terrible Twos. This phase hits all toddlers, often starting before age two – with some behaviors lasting until as late as age four,” according to Jane Rosen, PsyD

Avoid Embarrassing Your Kid

At this point, it is significant to highlight the fact that scolding your child about his tantrums in public will only make the situation worse. He will start to feel that you do not care for him. Because of this, it is imperative on your part to keep your cool every time he has tantrums. Remember that you are the bigger person. However, it does not mean that you will tolerate his actions. What you have to do is to wait until you arrive at home before you talk to him.

Start A Conversation

As already mentioned above, it is vital for you to talk to your child about the problems or issues in his attitude. Let him know what is wrong with what he did and the reason why it is considered unacceptable. Be sure to use the right tone when speaking to him so that he will not feel like he is being attacked. Aside from this, you must also ask him what caused his tantrum. Make him think that he can discuss anything to you.

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According to Lauren M. O’Donnell, PsyD, “Most kids can learn to get better at handling anger and frustration.”

Seek Professional Help

Find a way to connect with a therapist or psychiatrist who can help your child deal with his issues or concerns. All you have to do is to book an appointment and bring your beloved son to the professional expert’s office or clinic. Keep in mind that this option only if you think that your child’s tantrums are no longer normal or are caused by his bipolar disorder. Do not be ashamed to ask questions to the mental health expert so that you will have a better understanding of the situation.

As a mom, you have the obligation to stand behind your son’s back at all times. Keep on fighting until you become acquainted with all the duties that a mother must accomplish.