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.