Understanding bipolar disorder in teens

By ReachOut Content Team
Updated 10 June 2025

If your teen has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, or you suspect they might be showing signs, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. The good news is that with the right support, young people with bipolar disorder can lead fulfilling and successful lives.

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A photo of a mother and son looking at each other, smiling warmly.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder. There are two main types that people can be diagnosed with:

  • Bipolar I involves episodes of mania that can last a week or longer. They are often followed by periods of depression.

  • Bipolar II includes episodes of hypomania, which are less intense than full mania, and longer-lasting periods of depression.

If you’re concerned that your teen may have bipolar disorder, especially if there’s a family history of mental illness, it’s important to speak with their GP or mental health professional early to get them the right support. Learn more about the different types of bipolar disorder.

What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder in teens?

It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between typical teen behaviour and the signs of something more. While mood swings are part of adolescence, bipolar disorder involves more extreme shifts in mood, energy and behaviour that can affect a person’s daily life.

Bipolar disorder can also look different in teens than in adults. Young people might have more frequent or harder-to-spot mood changes. You might notice times when your teen has lots of energy, needs little sleep and talks quickly. At other times, they might seem low or irritable and show no interest in things they usually enjoy.

Bipolar disorder shares symptoms with other conditions such as anxiety, depression and ADHD, because it affects young people’s mood, energy levels, concentration and decision-making ability. Symptoms can also change over time, making bipolar disorder challenging to diagnose in young people. Keeping track of any changes in your teen’s mood or behaviour, including how long they last and whether they’re affecting their school life, relationships, or daily life, can be helpful. 

Read more about the signs of bipolar disorder in young people.

How can bipolar disorder impact my teen's life?

Bipolar disorder can affect your teen’s relationships, school life and sense of self. With early support and the right strategies, they can learn to manage their symptoms and build confidence. Understanding how it shows up day-to-day can help you support them better.

Bipolar disorder can affect your teen’s relationships, school life and sense of self in different ways. With early support and the right strategies, they can learn to manage their symptoms and build their self-confidence. Understanding how challenges may show up day-to-day can also help you to support them better.

Relationships

Bipolar disorder can affect the way your teen might relate to others, including friends, family, partners and co-workers. They might:

  • become more withdrawn or irritable during low periods

  • act impulsively or say things they don’t mean when they’re feeling ‘up’

  • find it harder to maintain consistent communication or connection

  • feel misunderstood by others who don’t know what they’re going through.

These changes can put a strain on relationships and sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. Helping your teen build healthy friendship skills can make a big difference.

School

The symptoms of bipolar disorder can make school more challenging. Your teen might struggle with:

  • concentration or memory, especially during depressive episodes

  • low motivation or energy, which makes it hard for them to start or finish assignments

  • sleep disruptions that impact their ability to focus in class

  • racing thoughts that make it hard to stay organised or to follow through.

These challenges can be frustrating, especially if your teen is trying their best.

Self-esteem and self-identity

Adolescence is already a time of big change, and living with bipolar disorder can add an extra layer of uncertainty. Your teen might wonder which parts of their personality are ‘really them’ and which are related to their mental health. They may also:

  • feel like they’re different from their peers

  • worry about being seen only through the lens of their diagnosis

  • lose confidence in their abilities or their plans for the future.

Reassure your teen that bipolar disorder doesn’t define them. Help them to explore their strengths and interests, and remind them that many people with the disorder live full and meaningful lives. Find more ideas to support your teen’s self-confidence and sense of identity.

A teen girl sitting between her two parents. Her father is looking at her with concern, and is resting his hand on her knee in comfort.

How can I support my teen with bipolar disorder?

Managing bipolar disorder often involves using a mix of therapy, medication and tailored strategies. Support can look like accompanying your teen on visits to their mental health clinician in order to better understand their symptoms, and learning how to talk to your teen about mental health. By working together with your teen and their care team, you can help them manage their symptoms more effectively over the long term. 

You can also tap into your teen’s existing support networks, like friends and family, and encourage them to play to their strengths while they adjust to their diagnosis and treatment. 

Here are some different ways you can support your teen.

Self-help strategies

Self-management strategies for bipolar disorder can help your teen feel more confident in how they approach their day-to-day life. You can support them by encouraging them to experiment with various strategies and to stick to those they’ve found most helpful on the harder days.

If your teen doesn’t want to monitor their symptoms or is struggling with their diagnosis, you can still make notes of what you notice. This can be helpful when meeting with your teen’s care team.

Therapy

A mental health professional with experience in supporting people with bipolar disorder (like a psychologist) can help your teen to understand their diagnosis and to acquire and use tools for managing their mood, thoughts and behaviours. Therapy can also support them through challenges with school, friendships and identity. You can help by accompanying them to appointments, attending them as needed, and helping with scheduling and reminders. 

Bipolar disorder medication

Medication is usually needed for managing bipolar disorder and works by stabilising mood and reducing symptoms. Involve your teen in conversations about their medication to help them feel more in control of their treatment. Finding the right medication can take time, and side effects vary, so it’s important to talk to your teen’s psychiatrist before they start on or change medications. 

Support at school

You can speak with your teen’s school to let them know what’s going on and learn about what support may be available for them. Knowing what support the school can provide can help you both in navigating any challenges they may experience that impact their education.

Support groups and services

Connecting with others can help your teen feel less alone. These services offer helpful info and support:

  • Bipolar Australia offers resources and peer support groups.

  • headspace has online services and youth mental health centres Australia-wide.

  • SANE Forums are online peer forums for complex mental health issues.

  • Kids Helpline is a free hotline available 24/7 that provides support for young people.

You can also share this list of bipolar disorder support services with your teen.

Will my teen’s bipolar symptoms change or go away when they get older?

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. While it can’t be cured, it can be managed with the right support over the long term. Early intervention also makes a big difference. The sooner your teen connects with a health professional, the more support they’ll have in learning to manage mood changes, build healthy habits and feel more in control.

Ongoing treatment is also key to helping your teen navigate symptoms and live a full life. With consistent therapy, helpful routines and strong relationships, your teen can still do the things they enjoy and reach their goals. Learn more about getting support.

Support options for parents of teens with bipolar disorder

Caring for a child with bipolar disorder can be emotionally challenging, so it’s just as important to look after your own mental health and wellbeing. Getting support can help you to feel more confident, connected and better equipped to be there for your teen. 

Support services 

What can I do now?

  • If you're concerned about your teen’s symptoms, book an appointment with their GP for guidance.

  • Read more about bipolar disorder in teens.

  • Work with your teen to develop a daily routine to help manage mood swings and create a sense of stability.