Possible Effects Of Having A Parent With Bipolar Disorder

We can all tend to take some behavioral cues from our parents. So, what psychological impact might it have if one or both of your parents or caregivers have bipolar disorder? Not every case will be the same, and rest assured that having a parent with bipolar disorder does not in any way determine everything you are and can be. 

Bipolar disorder – Overview of the mental illness

There are three primary types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Bipolar I is marked by at least one manic episode (a depressive episode may occur but is not necessary for a diagnosis). Bipolar II is characterized by at least one depressive episode and one hypomanic episode (a less severe form of mania). Cyclothymic disorder is marked by symptoms of depression and hypomania that do not rise to the level of a depressive or hypomanic episode. While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, risk factors include having a family history of mood disorders, using recreational drugs, or experiencing a traumatic or stressful event. 

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Mental health treatment for bipolar disorder

Though bipolar disorder can significantly affect an individual’s life, early intervention may help alleviate symptoms and improve family functioning. There are many possible treatments for bipolar disorder; usually, a combination is required for a person to lead an everyday life. Typically, mental health treatment will consist of medication and psychotherapy. 

Talk therapy

Those who have bipolar disorder may also sometimes benefit from talk therapy. It can be helpful to speak to a trained mental health professional to get some advice regarding how to set up a routine that the person with bipolar can follow.

Even if someone has been prescribed medication to manage bipolar disorder, they typically also need counseling before they start to see a reduction in symptoms. Remember that medication can only be prescribed by a medical professional, and you should speak to a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication treatment.

Other options

There are many other treatments, both established and experimental, that individuals with bipolar disorder can try as well. For instance, some find music or art therapy to be helpful. One can use these treatments as a creative outlet if feeling disturbed or unhappy about their condition. Spending time with therapy animals can sometimes work well, as can reading self-help books. 

Family interventions are widely utilized to address bipolar disorder, particularly when an individual’s symptoms are impacting family functioning. Through these treatment methods, the family member with bipolar disorder can work through challenges alongside their partner, children, or other relatives. Studies show that family psychoeducation interventions and other forms of family support (when combined with medication) can lead to improved symptom management and a reduced risk of mood episode recurrence. 

It is usually some combination of these various techniques or strategies that can allow someone with bipolar disorder to have the best chance at a mentally healthy life.

The potential challenges of parenting with bipolar disorder

For someone with bipolar disorder, taking care of a youngster can prove challenging sometimes. Having kids can be tough for anyone, but bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can make it difficult to care for yourself, let alone someone else. 

During a depressive episode, it may be tough to get out of bed and attend to a child’s needs. During a manic episode, parents with bipolar disorder can become erratic or unpredictable, even when the child needs stability or routine.

Preparation is key

Before having a child, a person with bipolar should ensure that they have their condition under close control.

Medication may sometimes take some trial and error, so a person with bipolar who hopes to become a parent should ensure that their medication keeps them on an even keel and entirely lucid before trying for a baby. Again, remember that medication advice can only come from a licensed medical professional. 

A person with bipolar hoping to become a parent should also have a strategy to work through the manic and depressive episodes. Self-care is always essential if you have bipolar, but when a dependant like a child comes into the picture, it becomes even more critical.

If one parent in a couple has bipolar, the other parent may have to offer extra support in the household and the child's rearing. The extent of their responsibilities may ebb and flow as the bipolar parent goes through taxing times.

How can bipolar disorder impact a child?

The effects of bipolar on a child’s life will typically vary case by case. Some children may feel that they lacked a stable role model growing up, while others may not even notice or feel concerned about having a parent with bipolar disorder. 

In some cases, children may not understand why their caregiver’s mood fluctuates. Particularly when they are prone to self-blame (traits that cause low self-esteem or feelings of inadequacy cause such tendencies), children of parents with bipolar disorder may feel responsible for their parent’s emotions. If a child continues to engage in self-blame, they may experience negative feelings, impaired coping skills, and a greater chance of developing a mental health condition themselves. 

Even in the absence of self-blame, parental bipolar disorder is associated with a high risk of mood disorders in children. According to one study, if a child’s parent has bipolar disorder, they are four times more likely to develop a mood disorder (depression, bipolar disorder, etc.). 

Many children with parents with bipolar disorder may benefit from talk therapy. A therapist can provide emotional support and help you better understand how a parent’s mental health condition may be impacting you. One does not have to be managing a severe problem or mental health issue to benefit from talking to a therapist. Therapy can help anyone who simply wants a space to speak openly and discuss valuable resources.

A child with a bipolar parent may even end up seeing their parent’s condition as an advantage in the fact that it can help them grow and mature, recognizing their parent’s difficulties and learning from them early on.

A bipolar parent isn’t an unfit parent

There is no reason to believe that a bipolar parent is somehow unfit or does not love their child as much as other parents. Some children grow up in households with bipolar parents and can easily carry out healthy and fulfilling lives. Bipolar should not be stigmatized or looked down upon.

As long as the child in question grows up with loving parents who want what is best for them and make a sincere effort to raise them right, then it shouldn't matter that one of those parents has bipolar disorder. Their home can still be one where wholesome values and a sense of inclusion and happiness have their place.

Do you have a parent with bipolar disorder?

If you have a parent with bipolar disorder, or if you have the disorder yourself and you are raising a child, then you might wish to talk to someone about it. One of BetterHelp's trained mental health professionals can meet with you and discuss treatment and strategies for living a healthy life.

Having someone in the family with bipolar disorder might also cause comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression. Conditions like these are typically treated with cognitive behavioral therapy. Studies show that online cognitive behavioral therapy is just as effective as in-person CBT in treating a wide array of mental illnesses. Online therapy also has many other benefits, like convenience, discretion, and affordability.