A diagnosis of bipolar disorder can be difficult for children and teens. Support groups provide them with an opportunity to connect with others who have similar symptoms and feelings about living with the disorder. While each state and community differs in the level of support available, there are several organizations and online communities that offer an opportunity for children, teens, and parents to connect with other people struggling with similar problems related to the disorder.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is an organization dedicated to providing information, support and resources to individuals and caregivers of individuals suffering from mood disorders. It has organizations in several states and provides support groups online and in person. It even offers the availability for persons to start a support group in their area if one is not available. Support groups can be geared towards particular populations (e.g. caregivers, teens) or general support. It allows individuals the opportunity to connect with other people who have had similar experiences.
Teen Moods
This website is a community forum created by a teenager suffering from depression to encourage support and open discussion of issues related to mood disorders. In joining this community, individuals are given an opportunity to discuss their thoughts and feelings with others who face similar struggles.
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
This foundation provides resources mainly to families who are struggling with having a child or teen suffering from bipolar disorder. It offers information on all facets of the disorder and accompanying difficulties. Its support groups are geared towards helping the parents and caregivers of children with bipolar disorder, in hopes of providing support for them to better manage their child's symptoms and behavior.
Daily Strength
Daily Strength is an online community recommended by the Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation as a good resource for support for teens and persons in their 20s struggling with bipolar disorder. It offers support groups for many conditions and difficulties. The support group for teens struggling with bipolar offers an opportunity for teens to anonymously talk with others with the disorder and to ask experts for more detailed information. It also offers an opportunity to meet persons with similar difficulties and lifestyles and connect with them on a different level.
