Fighting the Isolation of Being Mentally Ill- Teens with Bipolar

Fitting in when you are growing into adulthood can be tough enough but when you are also coping with a mood disorder, life can sometimes be lonely.

Teenagers can be self-absorbed and many are not compassionate to the needs of a friend who suffers from a mood disorder. Unless a teen lives with it, most teens can get tired of an emotionally needy friend.

When you suffer from a mood disorder you are often just trying to survive the mood swings and you may not be the best friend you can be.

A teen with a mood disorder often doesn't realize how straining it can be to deal with their ups and downs. Their erratic behavior can be a turn-off and sometimes their actions can cause the break-up of friendships. A teen suffering from depression often isolates themselves from the world and then is sad because they feel so alone.

As the parent of a teen with bipolar, it saddens me how lonely my teenager is at times. The depression usually causes him to isolate himself from everyone. At other times he is bored because he lacks the "normal" teenage social life. Many times it seems like he looks to me for entertainment.

Being an adult with adult responsibilities sometimes I just want a break from it all. I fight my own demons at times and getting "me" time just isn't possible with an emotionally fragile teenager.

I remember my own teen years and although I wouldn't want him to emulate them, I do wish that he had half the adventures I did.

I don't long for "normal" but I do hope for something more than he has right now.

Learning how to find your place in the world is essential for every teenager. You do this by socialization, getting your first job, having your first date, etc. My teen is so far behind in the "normal" teenage experiences.

It is a much different world for today's teens. With social media/networking, many teens form strong bonds with people they have never set eyes on. Even teens with a so-called "normal" social life choose to spend their time communicating through texting instead of old-fashioned conversation.

It is so easy to get caught up in technology. I fear that it does cause many of our teenagers to lack learning the social skills to grow into healthy adulthood. Imagine the teen who has a mood disorder and instead of being forced to be out there in the real world instead gets caught up in the cyber world.

A parent needs to push them to put the phone down and get out there. How many parents actually can devote the time to policing their teen into a healthier way of life?

As a parent who has tried, I admit that I am not always successful. Time demands keep me for putting up a fight some days.

The challenge of being a mom to a teenager with bipolar is great. Hope is something that I never lose- no matter what.

I can't.

Someday maturity will catch up and that inner fight will burn. My teen will choose to find his place in this world and will overcome or learn to cope with the symptoms of bipolar.

The future might be different than what I expect it will be. Our children are growing up in a much different world than we did. For all the good technology has given us it has also given us bad. Finding the balance and growing up healthy is more of a challenge than ever. For a teen with bipolar it is a much bigger challenge.

In the meantime I encourage my teen to physically get together with friends. I urge him to join after-school clubs and look for his first job.

I encourage him to get outside and exercise even if I have to go along for the walk. (it doesn't hurt me but it sure is tough to make the time)

Balance is the key and if I can teach him to find that healthy balance, hopefully he will grow into an adult with better coping skills to handle a life with bipolar.

Coping with the High Cost of Treatment

Being without health insurance is a scary thing for most people but when you have a mental illness and rely upon daily medication, it is really scary.

The good news is that many pharmaceutical companies are sympathetic to patients and offer several different programs to help. Even if you have insurance but your prescription coverage is lacking, there are programs for you.

The fear many patients have is not being able to afford their care. This is the biggest reason why many skip treatment, cancel therapy appointments and often go off needed medication. For someone with a mood disorder this can set you back in your treatment.

When you find yourself without insurance, the first thing to do is get busy on the Internet. Write down the medications you take and Google them. Go to the pharmaceutical company's website and check out what programs they have to help with the cost of your prescription drugs.

The next thing to do is to talk to your doctor. Explain your financial situation and if you are currently stable, see if you can put off your appointment for medication management. If you cannot, see if your doctor will charge you on a sliding scale until you are able to get new health insurance.

Clinics are another option but many times they have waiting lists of 6 weeks of longer. As soon as you lose your coverage, call up and get on that list!

If you are secure with a good therapist, have a discussion with them about your financial situation. See what they can do to help you out. You will never know unless you ask.

Consistent treatment is essential for mental illness. Financial setbacks and lack of health insurance are stumbling blocks on the road to your wellness. Try and work through them so you don't suffer!