It can be quite difficult to watch your child turning into a monster every day. And even more difficult when you have no bipolar support group to turn to in your time of need.

Mothers Cry for Help

A mother crying for help: “I am living with my 5 year old child who has been diagnosed with bipolar. We have been struggling with anger and other emotional issues for a long time and he is now on medications. He can be very good when on drugs but when these drugs wears out we are back to the old self. This also happens when he is not taking or refuses to take his medicine, he starts yelling, throwing things around and even telling me that he does not like me. It can be quite difficult to calm him down. At the moment I dont know what to do because I am confused”.

Look for Symptoms in Children

It must be noted that symptoms of bipolar disorder in children looks and is experienced differently to those in adults. While common understanding that bipolar can be diagnosed as low as 5 years old; some mothers have reported their children showing symptoms of bipolar since infancy. Some signs shown are being clingy, uncontrollable, seizures like tantrums and rages which seem to come out of nowhere.

Bipolar Symptoms in Very Young Children

Symptoms of bipolar disorder can emerge as early as infancy some mothers have reported. Children later diagnosed with the disorder were hard to settle and does not have a regular sleeping pattern. At an early age, these young children have uncontrollable tantrums and are out-rage at virtually nothing. Even some have shared that the word NO can trigger outbursts and rage.

Purpose of Bipolar Support Group

Belonging to a support group can be of great help by giving you peace of mind. Secondly you are able to meet an confide with people with the same problem and all they want to know is how they can help their child at those difficult times. These meetings are confidential. Most of the time, bipolar support groups means exchanging numbers and making new friends who share the same disease. The goal of these groups is to walk together especially in those times of difficulty.

Supporting a Bipolar Child

For children who cannot attend a support group because they are too young, words of support and being non-judgmental can be helpful. Always try to use words of encouragement and keep your child in an environment that is both safe for the child and caregiver.

Finally

Bipolar disorder children can either bring out the worst and the best in us caregivers. Things can be hard both for families and child and so important to know that the family is the first bipolar support group for the child. Together you can work out a plan when the child is back to their usual behavior. All can learn from the experience.