Bipolar disorder can be overwhelming for both teenagers and their families, especially when the symptoms first begin to emerge. For many girls, these signs often appear during the teenage years, which can make it hard to distinguish them from normal teenage ups and downs.
Knowing what to watch for and when these changes usually start can help you better understand what your daughter is going through and when she might need additional support. In this post, we’ll discuss the typical age range when bipolar disorder tends to surface in girls, signs to be aware of, and ways to support her through these challenging times.
Does Bipolar Disorder Look Different in Girls vs. Boys?
Yes, bipolar disorder can manifest differently in girls compared to boys. While both can experience the characteristic mood swings of bipolar disorder, research and clinical observations suggest some differences:
Mood Episodes
Girls with bipolar disorder are more likely to experience depressive episodes more frequently and for longer durations than boys, who may experience more manic or mixed episodes.
Emotional Sensitivity and Expression
Girls are often more expressive about their emotions and may report feelings of sadness, guilt, or hopelessness more openly. Boys, on the other hand, might externalize their symptoms, showing irritability, anger, or risk-taking behaviors more prominently.
Anxiety and Co-occurring Disorders
Girls with bipolar disorder are more prone to co-occurring conditions like anxiety disorders and eating disorders. Boys, however, are more likely to have co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorders.
Behavioral Differences
While both genders may show impulsive behaviors, boys may display more outward aggression and hyperactivity during manic episodes. In contrast, girls might engage in more self-harm or experience more severe emotional breakdowns during depressive phases.
Puberty and Hormonal Factors
For girls, the onset of bipolar symptoms may coincide with puberty, where hormonal changes can intensify mood swings. These hormonal shifts can also affect how symptoms present or fluctuate over time.
What Age Does Bipolar Disorder Show Up in Girls?
Bipolar disorder often starts showing up in girls during their teenage years, usually between ages 15 and 19. However, some signs can appear earlier, even around age 13. This is a time when hormones and brain development are changing, which can make it harder to tell if mood swings are just typical teenage behavior or something more serious.
If you notice extreme highs and lows in her mood that seem out of the ordinary and last for days or weeks, it could be worth talking to a mental health professional for guidance.
How Do I Know if My Daughter has Bipolar Disorder?
If you’re worried that your daughter might have bipolar disorder, there are some signs and behavioral changes to look out for. Here’s what you should know:
Recognize Patterns in Mood Changes
Bipolar disorder often involves extreme shifts in mood. If your daughter goes from feeling overly excited or restless to suddenly being very sad or tired, these could be mood swings beyond typical teen ups and downs. Try to notice if these changes last for several days at a time and if they seem to come without a clear reason.
Notice Energy Levels and Sleep Changes
Sometimes, your daughter might seem to have way more energy than usual and may not need much sleep, which could indicate a high-energy phase (called mania). Other times, she might have very low energy and want to sleep all day, which can be a sign of a low-energy phase (called depression). Drastic changes in her energy and sleep can be a red flag.
Pay Attention to Behavior
Keep an eye out for risky or impulsive behavior. During a manic phase, teens might act without thinking about the consequences. This could mean spending a lot of money, acting very confident in unsafe situations, or taking big risks. If you notice changes in how she behaves that seem out of character, it’s worth exploring.
Look for Ongoing Depression
It’s also common for teens with bipolar disorder to experience long periods of depression. You might notice your daughter feeling hopeless, losing interest in things she used to enjoy, or having trouble with focus and making decisions. If this lasts for weeks and affects her daily life, it’s a good idea to reach out for help.
Encourage Open Conversations
Lastly, encourage her to share what she’s feeling. Let her know she can talk to you without fear of being judged. Ask open-ended questions like, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “Is there something on your mind that’s been tough to handle?”
How to Deal with a Daughter Who Has Bipolar Disorder
Dealing with a bipolar teenage girl requires understanding, patience, and effective strategies to support her through her emotional ups and downs. These tips can help you create a positive environment and encourage healthier habits for managing her symptoms:
Learn About Bipolar Disorder
Take the time to educate yourself about bipolar disorder by reading reliable resources and talking to professionals. Understanding the signs, triggers, and challenges she may face will help you respond with empathy and provide the right kind of support.
For example, knowing that irritability can be part of mania rather than just a bad attitude can change how you approach and communicate with her. This knowledge will also help you stay patient and recognize when mood changes might need professional attention.
Keep Open Communication
It’s crucial to maintain open communication with your daughter. Let her know you’re there to listen and that she can share her thoughts and feelings without being judged or punished. Try using open-ended questions like, “How did your day go?” or “Is there anything you want to talk about?”
Avoid rushing in with solutions right away; instead, validate her emotions by saying things like, “That sounds really tough,” to make her feel heard. This approach can help her feel more comfortable opening up and discussing her mental health challenges with you.
Encourage Healthy Routines
Routines play a significant role in stabilizing mood swings and creating structure. Work with your daughter to establish a consistent daily schedule that includes regular sleep, balanced meals, exercise, and activities she enjoys. Consistency helps her brain and body develop healthy patterns, making it easier to regulate emotions.
For example, encourage her to set a bedtime routine and wake-up time, plan physical activities like walks or yoga, and find a calming hobby that gives her a sense of accomplishment. These habits not only promote stability but can also help her feel more in control.
Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms
Helping your daughter discover and use healthy coping mechanisms can make a big difference in how she manages stress and emotions. Show her examples of healthy ways to handle difficult feelings, and guide her in avoiding unhelpful coping strategies:
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms to Avoid:
- Using alcohol or drugs: These might seem like temporary fixes but can worsen mood swings and lead to harmful habits.
- Engaging in risky or impulsive behaviors: These actions can be dangerous and may escalate during manic phases.
- Isolating from family and friends: Pushing others away can lead to loneliness and deepen depressive feelings.
- Avoiding responsibilities: Ignoring important tasks like schoolwork or chores can increase stress and create more problems.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms to Embrace:
- Exercise regularly: Physical activities like walking, running, or dancing can help release pent-up energy and improve mood.
- Practice deep breathing or meditation: Simple breathing exercises or guided meditation apps can be helpful in calming down during anxious moments.
- Write in a journal: Encourage her to keep a journal to express thoughts and emotions, which can provide clarity and relief.
- Engage in creative activities: Hobbies like drawing, painting, or playing music can serve as positive outlets for emotional release.
- Talk to a supportive friend or family member: Sometimes, having a trusted person to confide in can ease feelings of isolation.
Set Clear and Consistent Boundaries
Establishing clear rules and expectations can give your daughter a sense of stability. However, it’s also essential to be flexible and understanding during her low or high moods. For example, set basic guidelines for household responsibilities or schoolwork, but adjust them when she’s struggling to avoid adding extra pressure.
Let her know that rules aren’t meant to be strict or punishing, but to provide a framework for her to feel supported and safe. Consistency with boundaries helps create a predictable environment, which can be comforting during periods of emotional turmoil.
Seek Professional Help
If your daughter’s symptoms are interfering with her life, reaching out to a mental health professional is crucial. Therapists and psychiatrists have the training to properly diagnose and treat bipolar disorder, offering therapy, medication management, or both. They can help create a customized plan based on her specific needs and adjust it over time as she grows and changes.
Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and help her build resilience and healthier habits. By actively seeking professional help, you show her that prioritizing mental health is not only normal but essential for a better future.
Empower Your Daughter with the Right Support
With the right guidance and resources, your daughter can learn to effectively manage bipolar disorder and regain her sense of stability. At Imagine by Northpoint, our teen treatment programs focus on equipping teens with the tools and confidence to take control of their mental health journey.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and the positive impact they can have on your teen.