This blog post is a sneak peek of the "Where You Are" Podcast episode featuring Dr. Roberto Sassi to be released in May 2025. 

Having a child with bipolar disorder can be tough, but with the right support, your family can navigate this challenge. 

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition where the child or youth experiences extreme changes or swings in moods, from mania to depression. This illness is called "bipolar" disorder because of the two "poles" of mood.  

A child with bipolar disorder might feel super excited and full of energy one moment (mania), then feel really sad or hopeless the next (depression). These mood swings can make it hard for youth to do their typical things like go to school, hang out with friends, or enjoy their favorite hobbies.

If your child shows signs of bipolar disorder, understanding the condition and knowing how to help them is important. 

Signs of Bipolar Disorder

There are two main parts to bipolar disorder: manic episodes and depressive episodes.

• Manic Episodes (High Energy): During these times, your child might feel really excited, talk fast, not want to sleep, or do things that feel risky or out of control.
• Depressive Episodes (Sad Mood): When they’re in a depressive episode, they might feel really sad, stop enjoying things they used to like, feel tired all the time, or have trouble concentrating.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed by health professionals who carefully assess your child’s symptoms. They will ask questions about how your child feels, how they act, and how they interact with family, friends, and at school. It’s important for parents, teachers, and friends to share what they’ve noticed about your child’s behavior.

Treatment: What Can Help Your Child?

Once your child is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it’s important to find the right treatment for them. There isn’t just one treatment that works for everyone, so it may take some time to find what works best for your child.

1. Medication:

Doctors may prescribe medications to help balance your child’s mood. These can help control manic or depressive episodes. Finding the right medication and the right dose is important, so it’s helpful to work closely with your child’s doctor.

2. Therapy:

Therapy can teach your child how to handle their feelings, stay calm in stressful situations, and cope with difficult emotions. Talking to a therapist can also help them understand their moods and learn ways to feel better during tough times.

3. Healthy Habits:

Being active, eating well, getting enough sleep, and finding ways to relax are also important for managing bipolar disorder. Encouraging your child to stick to these habits can help keep their mood stable.

How Parents and Caregivers Can Help

As a parent or caregiver, you are the person who knows your child best. You may notice small changes in their behavior before anyone else does. For example, if your child who usually likes school starts skipping classes, or if their sleep patterns suddenly change, these might be signs that something has changed.

Other signs to look for include:

• More impulsive behavior (making decisions quickly without thinking them through)
• Feeling more distracted than usual or unable to focus
• Social withdrawal, like avoiding friends or staying home more than usual

By watching for these signs, you can help your child get the support they need.

What Happens If Your Child Doesn’t Want Help?

Sometimes, youth with bipolar disorder don’t realize they need help. When they feel good during a manic episode, they might not want the feeling to stop. But when they’re depressed, they might feel like nothing can help. As a parent, you can help encourage your child to stay on track with their treatment, even when they feel like giving up. Let them know that getting better means they can feel better and do the things they enjoy, like hanging out with friends, playing sports or music.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If your child is feeling very sad or having thoughts about harming themselves, it’s very important to act quickly. You take your child to the emergency room at your local hospital if you’re worried about their safety. 

You’re Not Alone

Bipolar disorder can feel like a big challenge, but with the right treatment and support, your child can learn to manage it. .   Not sure where to start? Talk to your doctor, and ask for a referral to a specialist (like a psychiatrist) who can evaluate your child’s symptoms. Remember, you are not alone.

Resources

• Bipolar Wellness Centre Tools