By Idriys Muhammad -
Bipolar Disorder is is one the most treatable of all mental illnesses. It consists of three phases:
* Manic. The person has an oversupply of confidence and energy, which often leads to reckless behavior.
* Depression. The person has little interest in things that are usually enjoyable. They can barely function.
* Normal moods. These occur between episodes of mania and depression. Stressful events and physical illness may trigger depression or mania.
Some guidelines for working with children with Bipolar Disorder are:
1. Help the child learn to recognize triggers to depression or mania.
2. Teach coping skills to use when triggers occur, e.g. Talk with a peer when feeling depressed.
3. Encourage, don’t force, participation in groups or activities.
4. Listen. It’s OK to sit in silence: it’s your presence that is important. Children will talk when they are ready.
5. Ask about and accept thoughts and feelings.
6. Be supportive.
7. Communicate honestly and openly. Children will be more likely to talk to you about a problem.
8. Praise what the child does right; don’t focus on what they do wrong.
9. Set up rules and consequences for breaking them. Explain them to the child.
10. Find ways to give the child control over everyday thing things.
11. Teach positive ways to handle difficult situations.
12. Make sure the child gets adequate exercise, sleep and a healthy diet.
13. Be alert during the depressive phase for signs of suicidal ideation. Always take any signs seriously. And always be sure to treat your child with tenderness, love and compassion, they are carrying such a great burden.
Idriys Muhammad is a mobile therapist by day, delivering quality mental health services to children, youth, families and couples in their homes and in the community. Idriys has worked in the human/social services arena since 1989. He holds a masters in social science. At night, Idriys is the quintessential Internet marketer specializing in teaching people how to rapidly improve their results in marketing their products and/or services. Idriys “Luke” Muhammad has over 19 years experience in sales and marketing and has assisted over 900 client in achieving their sales and marketing goals and objectives. Please click Children With Bipolar Disorder for more information and solutions.
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