Seeing a beautiful child turning into a monster before our very eyes day in and day out can be quite heartbreaking. With no bipolar support group to turn to for help when these bipolar children are experiencing these horrible tantrums can be quite frustrating.
A Cry for Help from a Mother
A mothers cry for help can be similar to this: My young of child of 5 has been diagnosed with bipolar and is struggling with anger and other emotional issues for some time and I have given him medications. While on medication he is a good child, listening to me with no tantrums and rages but when probably the drugs loses its strength we are back to square one. He would even tell me that he does not like me with everything he holds he throws. It is difficult to calm him down. At the moment I am lost, not knowing what to do next.
Symptoms in Children to Look For
Symptoms of bipolar in adults look and are experienced differently to those in children. Even though 5 year old children have been diagnosed with the symptoms it has been reported that children were showing signs at much earlier age. The typical signs are clingy, uncontrollable seizures like tantrums and rages which seem to come out of nowhere.
Bipolar Symptoms in Very Young Children
Bipolar disorder symptoms can emerge as early as infancy. Young children later diagnosed with the disorder experience sleeping irregularity, very attached, uncontrollable tantrums and full of rage. Some mother have even shared that just by using the word No triggers out bursts and rages.
What is the 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.