Many types of mental health disorders can affect young girls. Bipolar disorder (types I and II) can be life-interrupting for both the person experiencing it and their loved ones. Recognizing the signs of bipolar disorder and working to get treatment for your daughter is incredibly important. It may feel frustrating to deal with these challenges, but there are paths to take together with your daughter. Many options are available to help alleviate the trials and struggles this disorder may cause.
Bipolar disorder can also co-occur with other disorders, namely substance use disorder (SUD). When there is co-occurrence with another disorder, treatment is incredibly important to obtain. These disorders can be addressed through quick action and continued care by loved ones. Oftentimes the most important thing you can offer as the parent is support as your daughter goes through this treatment journey.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that “Bipolar disorder (formerly called manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration. These shifts can make it difficult to carry out day-to-day tasks.” All types of bipolar disorder cause changes in mood, energy, and activity levels in individuals. These mood shifts change from feeling incredibly “up” and energetic or irritable (called manic episodes), to “down” or sad and hopeless periods (called depressive episodes).
Bipolar disorder is usually diagnosed in the late teen years or early adult years, though it can show up in children as well. There are three different types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I is characterized by longer periods of at least seven days of mania and depression. Bipolar II is characterized by periods of depression and hypomania that are less severe than type I. Cyclothymic disorder is characterized by periods of recurring hypomanic or depressive episodes that are not as intense as type II.
All types of bipolar disorder can affect the day-to-day lives of the people who live with it. Bipolar disorder is often a disorder that requires life-long treatment and care. It is important to recognize the signs of bipolar disorder in your daughter so that you can get her the help she needs.
Recognizing the Signs of Bipolar Disorder
Looking for the signs of bipolar disorder means watching your daughter for signs of depressive periods and manic episodes. If you notice the signs, it is important to reach out for treatment. Some common signs to watch for that indicate these two states include the following:
Signs of depression
- Feeling especially sad or hopeless
- Loneliness or isolation from others
- Eating too little or too much
- Having little energy and a lack of interest in regular activities
- Sleeping too much
Signs of Mania
- Exhibiting intense happiness or silliness
- Having a short temper and becoming irritable easily
- Talking too fast or having racing thoughts
- Having an inflated sense of ego, ability, knowledge, or power
- Engaging in reckless behavior
If you notice signs of these states in your daughter, it is important to intervene early. Reaching out to a care team is important to learn about the next steps.
Alerting a Care Team About Symptoms
If you want guidance in interpreting the possible signs of bipolar disorder you recognize in your daughter, reach out to a care team. Clearview is accredited to work alongside your daughter in times of crisis and through mental health struggles. At Clearview Horizon Girls Academy, we can help assess and evaluate the signs of bipolar disorder in your daughter. Getting care and treatment is the best way to alleviate the struggles that can accompany this disorder.
Signs of Bipolar Disorder and Substance Use Disorder
SUD can co-occur with many mental health disorders, including bipolar disorder. There are multiple reasons that this can happen. One reason is that bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders can affect the way the brain processes information and emotions. Some of these changes may give rise to tendencies toward substance use and abuse. For instance, bipolar disorder can cause a lack of inhibition and risky behavior, which can lead to substance use. Substance use, in turn, may amplify risky behavior. This can lead to being in unsafe situations and worsened mental health.
On the other hand, substance abuse by itself causes changes in the brain that can predispose a person to develop mental health issues. Then, the two conditions often perpetuate each other. This is why treatment becomes paramount for bipolar disorder, especially when there is co-occurring SUD.
Treatment Options
Treatment for bipolar disorder will likely be a life-long pursuit. Getting emotions and underlying stressors managed will greatly benefit your daughter. Medication management may be necessary depending on the severity of the disorder. There are many medications available that can help alleviate the more uncomfortable symptoms.
Alongside medication management with a doctor, it is important to have access to psychotherapy. Working with a skilled therapist can help your daughter address the root of the issue and work to gain control during tough periods. Clearview Horizon Girls Academy has various types of therapy in our programs to help each girl work through their issues and make progress with any existing disorders.
While bipolar disorder may be something someone has to deal with throughout life, the severity of the symptoms can be modified. If your daughter is struggling, the most important thing is to be there for her and work through her symptoms together. Living with bipolar doesn’t have to be a devastating experience. With treatment and strong support, it can simply be another part of your daughter’s story.
Bipolar disorder types I and II can feel overwhelming for both the person who has the disorder and their loved ones. Working to recognize the signs so you can act when needed is important for long-term management of this disorder. When your daughter struggles with bipolar disorder, she has an increased risk of substance abuse, which needs to be addressed. Treatment of bipolar disorder through medication and psychotherapy promotes a better quality of life. Being there and getting treatment for your daughter through these moments is the most important thing you can do. If your daughter is wrestling with the effects of bipolar disorder, Clearview can help. Get in touch with us at 866-584-4788.
