Getting Help

Bipolar disorder needs to be diagnosed by a psychiatrist, a professional who is medically trained to assess whether someone is suffering from a mental illness.

Bipolar disorder can be treated with medication which changes the chemistry of the brain to stabilise moods. Anti-depressants might also be prescribed during a depressive episode.

Talking therapies and self-management techniques can also be helpful in helping the person observe their own moods, deal with feelings of depression and help keep thoughts positive. Self-management techniques include learning to recognise early signs of distress by monitoring moods and behaviour, keeping to a routine that suits the person, taking steps to avoid stress or things that trigger their illness, and eating well and doing exercise.

If you are concerned that a young person under 18 may be developing bipolar, it is important to visit the GP and ask for an urgent referral to specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, (CAMHS), so the young person can be assessed and supported.

If the young person is over 18, they will need to ask for help themselves, from their GP.

Early intervention teams can help teenagers and young adults who are at risk of developing psychosis, which can be a feature of bipolar disorder – ask your GP about this service as it is not available in all areas.

If the child or young person is in a very distressed, violent or psychotic state or is at risk of harming themselves or others, you can take them to A&E and ask for an emergency psychiatric assessment. Alternatively you may need to ring the emergency services and ask them to visit the young person at home. They may have to be admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act, for assessment and treatment.

YoungMinds Parents' Helpline is there for you if you want to talk about bipolar disorder and how to get your child the best help.