The Effects of Bipolar Disorder on Your Son
We at Teen Challenge can help your boy by treating him as he suffers from Bipolar Disorder, a condition characterized by periods of unusually high mood and energy followed by periods of abnormally low mood and energy level. His mood swings back and forth between exhilaration and dejection, tending towards the extremes when compared to the customary “ups and downs” which most people experience in life.
While he may experience normal phases sandwiched between, the high phase (clinically referred to as “manic”), could find him easily distracted, with racing thoughts, too much talking and too little desire to sleep, unreasonably elevated self-regard, bad decision making and temper control, engaging in uncontrolled behavior (i.e.: binge sexual activity, eating/substance use).
His “depressive” (clinically low) periods might be marked by excessive/disturbed sleep, reduced energy, isolation, remorse, annoyance, high anxiety, lack of interest in once-enjoyed friends or activities, suicidal thoughts or actions.
Family history and brain chemistry are considered factors, but causes for BPD are not clearly established. Other recognized factors include: a blood relative with BPD, substance abuse, excessive high stress or trauma.
How We Can Treat Your Son’s Bipolar Disorder at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch–
It is vitally important to correctly diagnose your child, particularly because of the self-threatening nature of many of the behaviors seen with Bipolar Disorder; in some cases, commitment (either voluntary or compulsory) will be appropriate, in order to allow treatment to progress. Early treatment is critical (i.e.: not confusing his symptoms with chronic depression) especially as there is a high suicide rate among teens with Bipolar Disorder.
There are certainly medications that can help control his BPD symptoms, which should be taken along with therapy from a qualified individual. Both are necessary for a lifetime, since it can be misleading to feel that symptoms are no longer evident, causing one to think that the problems may have disappeared and he’s been cured.
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch…Transforming Troubled Boys into Young Men of Character.
The very first Teen Challenge Adventure therapeutic boarding school, we are still finding innovative new ways to help troubled boys, even after 40 years of service. We are a Christian therapeutic boarding school and ranch; dedicated to aiding troubled boys get a new start in life.
Our approach to value education is very structured and disciplined. Teen Challenge utilizes a faith-based, integrated model of intervention, with Biblically based methods that incorporate concepts and techniques from various psychological approaches, all presented in a loving Christian environment. We see academic success as a key to your son’s long-term life success
Choosing a facility for your struggling child can be a crushing task, and we know how important it is for you to find the best possible placement residency. If your son’s behavior is out of control, and nothing else has worked, his problems persist or are worsening, or his behavior is placing life at risk, think about Teen Challenge and what it can mean for your child.
We endeavor to help your son become a mentally sound, academically proficient, emotionally stable, socially adjusted, physically well, and spiritually vibrant young man. We have seen even the angriest and troubled boys transform their lives and become young men of character and integrity.
And, when your son returns to you after his year at Teen Challenge, we’ll continue to be there, with our critical stage Aftercare program, geared to help with transition issues he may face, provide continued encouragement and accountability and to prevent any relapse.
Our boys are challenged physically and learn the importance of goals and perseverance. Our therapeutic program offers your son an opportunity for a new and more productive future. Our students reach their full potential and experience the hope and future that God intended them to have.
