Support for Parents and Guardians of Children with Bipolar Disorder

Having a child is such a challenge in today’s world. Having a child with a disorder can drain even the toughest of parents. The most important thing we can do for our children, and ourselves, is to ensure we take advantage of the support that is out there. As we have heard on an airplane, we have to put on our oxygen mask first before assisting others.

Realize When You Are Over Your Head! Needing Support Doesn’t Mean Failure.

Everyone needs support from time to time. Children who have bipolar disorder have episodes of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, aggressiveness, and socially inappropriate behavior, among other equally challenging behaviors. These children need constant supervision and that can be exhausting. When you are tired from lack of sleep, or anxious from trying to guide your child in social situations, your energy levels can become depleted. If you are exhausted, anxious, and frustrated, you will not be the best caregiver for your child as you need to be. Where can you find help?

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - NAMI is an organization dedicated to supporting people affected by mental illness. NAMI is for anyone who has or is supporting someone with mental illness. There are a wide variety of resources on the website that can help you cope with taking care of a child with mental illness.

• Support for Parents of Children with Bipolar and Mood Disorders - This Facebook group was created as a place for parents to talk and ask questions. It is a place where you can be honest with people who know the challenges of parenting a child with mental illness.

• Ask your doctor or the child’s doctor for resources to help. These trained professionals are knowledgeable about available resources that can help.

Practicing Self-Care is Not Selfish.

Stress can affect you in a variety of ways. Stress affects your immune system, mental wellbeing, heart and blood pressure, as well as a multitude of other areas of your physical and mental being. If you are not healthy, you cannot take care of your child. Some of the ways you can practice self-care are:

• Yoga - Yoga helps your body and mind manage stress and to relax.

• Exercise - Finding a form of exercise you like helps you to rid your body of cortisol and releases endorphins that help you manage stress and make you feel better physically and mentally.

• Breathing exercises - breathing exercises, such as Box Breathing, help you focus just on your breathing and allows you to bring the focus back onto relaxing and not being upset or angry.

Know Their Triggers But Don’t Pacify Them.

When children struggle with the mood swings and severe behaviors that come with episodes of bipolar disorder, it can be exhausting for both parent and child. Know their triggers so you can help them manage and learn how to deal with their triggers and what to do when they occur. Some of the ways you can handle or help your child handle triggers are:

• Keep a strict schedule so your child is never taken off guard.

• Control stress for your child as well as help your child to learn strategies for handling a stressful situation like breathing exercises.

• Practice healthy sleep habits. Children with bipolar disorder have sleep issues. Lack of sleep can be a trigger. To help alleviate this, keep the child’s room cool and dark. Keep the bedroom only for sleep and not for watching television or playing video games. Take a relaxing bath or shower and try some warm beverage that does not contain caffeine. These are all things that can help the child’s mind and body know that it is time to wind down and be ready for sleep.

Evaluate the Treatment Plan… Are There Other Treatments Out There?

You are one of the experts when it comes to managing your child’s bipolar disorder. Be consistent in reviewing the treatment plan of your child. Ask yourself if what you and your doctor are doing is working. Do your research. Consider participating in a clinical trial at a Relaro Medical Trials to try or learn about new therapies that may help your child.

Join a Support Group.

It may be very difficult for someone who doesn’t have a child with bipolar disorder to relate to you and your situation. Find a support group of parents and caregivers who are having the same struggles so you can vent, ask questions, and support one another. You can find these groups by doing an internet search in your area or by simply asking medical and mental health professionals for recommendations.

Asking for help or admitting you need help is not a failure. Admitting you need help is an act of bravery and a true dedication to ensuring your child receives the best care and support possible. Contact us today to participate in one of our clinical trials to learn the latest in therapies that can help your child live the best life they can and to help you be the best caregiver you can. We are all in this together.