Information for Youth with Bipolar Disorder Can young people & children be diagnosed with this illness? Yes, often for many people symptoms of Bipolar Disorder will be first noticeable in their teens or early twenties. Occasionally some will have noticed some symptoms as children. What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder or manic depression is an illness marked by changes in mood, energy and behaviour. These changes may be extreme and occur for no obvious reason. Although the person with the illness may not think there is any reason for concern, other people may see their behaviour as being unusual for them. Many factors seem to combine to cause the illness and the episodic nature of the disease strongly suggests that the origin is chemical or biochemical. As bipolar disorder is an illness that runs in families, in some people it is likely to be caused by the genes they inherit. Why do I have to take pills every day? Medication can help control the mood changes associated with the bipolar disorder. The pills are designed to help correct any biochemical imbalance that might exist. Without medication episodes of the illness may become longer, more frequent and more severe. It is important to keep taking your medication even when you feel well as it can help to prevent future episodes. Will this illness go away when I'm older? For most people the illness doesn't seem to go away but the symptoms may be able to be well controlled. Usually this will be with the help of long-term medication. In this way bipolar disorder is similar to other lifelong illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes, in the that the treatment does not provide a cure. It can however be managed in a way that allows most people to lead productive lives. Some people find that even on medication they may still have several episodes of mania and/or depression a year while others may live for years without a new episode. Will I still be able to live a normal life? People of all ages, gender, ethnic and social groups have bipolar disorder and just like anyone with or without an illness, finding work, establishing close relationships, job satisfaction and spending time with family and friends are all important parts of life. Sometimes having an illness that affects your mood can make dealing with the stresses of life more of a challenge so it can be a good idea to seek help if you are having difficulties coping with issues or problems that may come up. Should I tell my friends that I have Bipolar Disorder? Everyone needs to decide this for themselves based on their own personal situation and how they feel about it. Some people are totally open about it with everyone while others choose only to tell a few people that they are close to. Because the experience of each individual varies, each person needs to make up their own mind exactly who they want to tell, if anyone and you may find that your views about this will change over time. Many people find peer support groups a valuable place for social acceptance, understanding and self-discovery. What about alcohol and drug use? Substance use problems are common in both adults and youth with bipolar disorder. It may be that as in adults some young people use alcohol and drugs to try and mange their irritability, aggressiveness or changing moods. Sometimes this may be referred to as self-medication. Drug use may include the use of recreational drugs or the overuse of prescription drugs. It is thought that the use of certain drugs may be associated with psychosis in some young people. Find out more about how alcohol and drug use can affect your illness and its treatment by talking with your doctor or by contacting an organisation that can provide you with specific information on this issue. What does self-management mean? Keeping well when you have bipolar disorder is not just about taking pills, although for a few people that might be all it takes. Most people find they need to learn about the illness and about their own self-management of the disorder. This includes a whole host of things such as recognising one's own early warning signs and knowing what to do about them, developing a lifestyle that enhances wellness and fostering social networks. Resources for leaning more about self-management: - Books and videos are available from the lending library of the Bipolar/Manic Depression Society
Thanks to Carolyn Doughty.
March 2001. | People of all ages, gender, ethnic and social groups have bipolar disorder and just like anyone with or without an illness, finding work, establishing close relationships, job satisfaction and spending time with family and friends are all important parts of life. Bipolar Support Canterbury
We seek to help people affected by bipolar disorder / manic depression and run a number of self help support groups. For more information please contact us. What other help is out there?
In Christchurch there are a number of places set up to help you if you are young and have mental health problems, including those with bipolar disorder. Some of these services may require a referral from your doctor. Youth Speciality For 13 - 18 year olds with moderate to severe mental health problems and their families Ph ( 03) 339 1126 Totara House For 18 - 30 year olds who are newly diagnosed or who appear to be developing a major mental illness. Ph (03) 339 1158 198 Youth Health Centre A youth friendly health centre providing free visits to peer supporters, counsellors, doctors and nurses. Ph (03) 379 4800 . Other services are available for young people. More information is available from the Mental Health Education and Resources Centre Ph (03) 365 5344. |
