BI-POLAR DISORDER IN TEENS - HOW DO YOU KNOW?
Throughout my life I have suffered with an unknown issue. I was plagued by uncontrollable mood swings, angry and sad thoughts, the inability to concentrate, and insufferable depression. I was only 12 when it all started. Most of the time I was told that I was just "going through a stage" and that once I realized that I was not going to get my way, I would snap opt of it. I never snapped put of it.
Instead I turned to drinking, drugs, sex, smoking, running away, and eventually attempted suicide. I honestly thought there was no hope. No one, not even the doctors, knew what to do to help me. I fought through my childhood with problems that were considered to be those of a crazy individual. But in fact, what was really going on was something only seen in adults. When I was young, Bi-Polar disorder was not diagnosed in young children or teens–this didn’t come about until the last 10 years or so. But even though the doctors know it is exists, it seems that no one chooses to acknowledge it.
Youth Bi-Polar shows all the signs of your basic depressed, stressed, and hormone-raging pre-teen or teenager. But, to be honest, there is so much more to it then being a crazy teen. There are many causes of Childhood Bi-Polar Disorder. Some of the causes are genetics, chemical imbalance, or environment. All of these causes are not the fault of anyone, and are treatable if recognized.
Signs to Childhood Bi-Polar Disorder are many. A few examples are that of: night terrors, manic depression and anxiety; sadness, fatigue, despair, trouble sleeping, difficulty getting along with others, hopelessness, change of appetite, loss of interest, the feeling of incompleteness, guilt, and exaggerated "drama". Basically, what was always thought of as the "pre-teen stage", but far worse. These symptoms can lead to many severe problems such as drug and alcohol addictions, promiscuous activity, self mutilation, and even suicide.
The warnings of teen depression and anxiety can be slight and severe all at the same time, but must be recognized and faced by all involved. Treatments for diagnosed cases of Childhood Bi-Polar Disorder depends on the level, but it usually involves medication that will assist in the balancing of appropriate brain chemistry; chemicals that the brain normally produces to control mood. If you suspect that your child’s–or teen’s–episodes are more than just a "phase" then get them to a doctor, and don’t take no for an answer, at least not until all the appropriate tests have been run.
I was lucky, I survived my childhood. How? I honestly do not know, but I am glad I did. My Bi-Polar disorder is a Level one, but because of a specific chemical that my brain produces, I can not take medication for treatment. I have learned through years of assistance that my answer is exercise (exerts the extra energy), meditation (calms the spirit and body), and proper diet. I also write in a journal and have open discussions about what I am feeling. Since I was diagnosed, I have been a better and happier person altogether. Now, I know my illness and I know that I may or may not have passed it on to my children. But, I do know the signs and that I can help them if they too have this disorder.
Every generation that accepts knowledge, not only passes on their genes but an opportunity to live!
