Natural Treatments for Bipolar Disorder

Detecting Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents

Bipolar disorder is typically characterized by dramatic changes in mood. Sufferers experience two markedly different states: mania and depression. Manic symptoms include hypersexuality, reckless spending, and feelings of euphoria. A child with depressive symptoms may appear sad, gloomy, anxious, or irritable. If you’re concerned that your adolescent may have bipolar disorder, consult your family doctor. He or she will be able to refer you to someone who specializes in adolescent psychiatry and who can help you as you research natural treatments for bipolar disorder.

Adolescents suffering from bipolar disorder generally swing back and forth between these two states. They may also experience changes in appetite, irritability, loss of concentration, or difficulty functioning in school. If your child has gone from a happy go lucky adolescent to a moody, unpredictable teen whose moods dramatically change, he or she may may need to be evaluated for bipolar disorder. While teenagers are known for their moodiness, the mood swings that accompany bipolar disorder are dramatic and can be dangerous.

There are a variety of natural treatments for bipolar disorder available, including talk therapy, herbal remedies, and homeopathy. If your adolescent is on any prescription medication, consult the doctor who prescribed it before administering any herbal remedy, as there is always a potential for interactions.

Therapy for Bipolar Disorder

Talk therapy is one of the best natural treatments for bipolar disorder available. Ask for a referral to a conselor or therapist who specializes in treating adolescents for the best possible results. Your child may be feeling overwhelmed by the strong emotions he or she is experiencing. Working through these issues in therapy can be extremely helpful.

Bipolar adolescents will learn techniques and tricks in therapy to help them manage their emotions. They’ll learn to recognize the warning signs of a mood swing, as well as what to do if they find themselves in the middle of a manic or depressive episode. Therapy helps equip your child to function at their best, despite the strong emotions that they’re experiencing.

Herbal Remedies for Treating Adolescent Bipolar Disorder

There are several herbal remedies that can be helpful for treating adolescent bipolar disorder. In general, herbs that are calming are useful for treating manic episodes, while herbs that are uplifting are good for treating depressive episodes.

Lavendar:

Lavendar is one of the best possible natural treatments for bipolar disorder available. It’s a mild, generally safe herb, and provides a wonderful calming influence. If your teen is suffering from jangled nerves and irritibility, suggest that they take a hot bath infused with dried lavendar. Lavendar essential oil can also be diffused or used in an oil burner to aid in relaxation during mania.

Chamomile:

Chamomile is another excellent soothing herb. This mild remedy makes excellent tea and infusions, and has very few negative side effects. Use it thereputically for its soothing properties during a manic episode.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort works well to improve blue moods, but can interact with some prescription medications. If your child is on an antidepressant medication, consult his or her physician before administering this herbal remedy.

Homeopathy for Treating Adolescent Bipolar Disorder

Homeopathy can be an extremely effective remedy for bipolar disorder, as well as for other mental health issues. Homeopathic remedies are extremely individualized, and the best treatment is obtained by consulting a skilled homeopath and explaining your specific symptoms. However, here are some general guidelines to get you started using these natural treatments for bipolar disorder.

Natrum Muriaticum is a good remedy for depression, and is used to treat sobbing spells, premenstrual depression, or depression focused on the weather.

Pulsatilla is good for adolescents who are depressed and crave physical contact, avoid confrontation, and cry easily. This remedy is also helpful if your child suffers from anxiety.

Gelsemium is helpful if your child is experiencing irritability, anxiety, or unpleasant manic symptoms. It also helps to alleviate the physical aches and pains caused by depression.

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