How to Cope With Bipolar Adolescents

Dealing with the moods of a bipolar adolescent can be extremely difficult. You may feel like you are dealing with two--or several--different people at different times. When coping with a bipolar adolescent, it is important to recognize the actions that are beyond his control and to accept them. In addition, there are several other techniques you can use to better cope with a bipolar adolescent.

Instructions

• 1

  Be positive. For every negative comment you say to your child (e.g., "don't" or "stop"), try to make at least 12 positive comments (e.g., complimenting your child). Praise is especially powerful with bipolar adolescents.

• 2

  Teach the child to label her emotions. Encourage her to say "I'm really getting upset now; I think I need some time alone" when she feels a manic stage coming on. Do this at a time that the adolescent is stable.

• 3

  Reward positive behavior, but do not punish negative behavior. Punishments for negative behavior can raise the stress level of a bipolar adolescent and bring on a manic episode. According to the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, "punishing a child with bipolar disorder for a fit of anger is akin to punishing an asthmatic child for an asthma attack."

• 4

  Give the child the opportunity to excel at something, or to become a leader. Find the child's passion and build on it.

• 5

  Give the adolescent choices. Make sure that both choices are acceptable, and do not present them in a threatening tone.

• 6

  Develop your own sense of humor. Laughing a situation can diffuse the seriousness and lower the stress level. This can benefit an adolescent with bipolar disorder, especially because it teaches him how to diffuse his own stress through humor.