Many of the potential pitfalls and protective strategies are the same for teens with bipolar disorder as they are for any other teen. But the likelihood of having difficulties, and the stakes associated with those difficulties, are higher on average for teens with bipolar disorder.

Think of the school year as a juggling exercise. Typically, students have at least some difficulty juggling the competing priorities of academics, friends, family, and self-care. But most students can juggle two-handed–they have a lot to keep track of, and yet they’re able to use all of their resources to keep things going. Teenage students with bipolar disorder have to keep all of the usual balls in the air with one hand, while juggling their symptoms and treatments with the other hand. The transition back to school can be challenging. Students may fall behind and some even need to withdraw from a semester. Fortunately, we also see many teens with bipolar disorder who thrive during their return to the classroom.

Tips to help students

There isn’t one easy way, but rather a number of strategies that can boost the chance of school success. There are also potential pitfalls that can get in the way of success. It’s important to be aware of both and have a plan to support your goals throughout the year:

Protective Strategies:

• Routines: Consistency in eating, sleeping, socializing, and other daily routines provides structure, making it easier to stay organized and maximize efficiency. Routines also have mental health benefits—in fact one of the leading therapies for bipolar disorder focuses on optimizing routines.
• Exercise: Being physically active helps students in a variety of ways. Exercise can be a social outlet, a way to reduce stress and improve mental health, a source of fun and distraction. Cardiovascular (i.e. aerobic) exercise in particular helps bolster attention and other aspects of executive functioning.
• Parent/family support: Establishing healthy boundaries with parents is important, as is knowing when to ask for support. Sometimes teens choose to keep their parents almost completely out of the loop. While this incommunicado approach can reduce short-term tensions (e.g. unwelcomed suggestions or guidance) it can also increase later tensions relating to preventable school problems. Both parental over-involvement and under-involvement have drawbacks. We encourage teens to find a happy medium. Having a conversation about this before heading off to school can provide an opportunity to negotiate a middle ground.

Potential Pitfalls:

• Sleep: The importance of consistent and adequate sleep for teens with bipolar disorder can’t be overstated. Insufficient sleep can lead to a host of problems, such as reduced energy, poor focus, and a tendency to excessively crave sweet/rich foods. So, in addition to  feeling tired, not getting enough sleep can impact other protective factors such as healthy nutrition and physical activity.
• Substances: It’s very common for teens to experiment with binge-drinking and with substances such as cannabis. Although this experimentation isn’t necessarily ideal for anyone, the risk-benefit ratio is more concerning for teens with bipolar disorder. Even relatively modest amounts of alcohol and substance use can potentially precipitate symptoms or interfere with treatment. Ultimately, teens will make their own decisions, and fear-mongering isn’t effective. We focus on arming our patients with the facts they need to make an informed decision, and encourage them to take a minimalist approach when it comes to substances.
• Overly ambitious or inflexible goals: Most teens want to take a full course load and excel. But depending on how stable their mood and other symptoms (e.g. anxiety, inattention) have been in the months leading up to school, it can be helpful to set goals (e.g. number of courses, grades) that are more forgiving. The first year of high school, college or university, involves the most change and is often the most challenging. Deciding on a reduced course load and/or lower grade expectations can be tough, but often teens are grateful they did made this decision. Overall, we encourage realistic initial goals that can be modified over time.

Heading back to school can be both exciting and overwhelming. Being aware of strategies and pitfalls, and being flexible with goals, can help teens and parents plan and prepare for the new school year ahead.

Read more: Tips for teens, from teens who have bipolar disorder 

Written by Dr. Ben Goldstein, Dr. Rachel Mitchell, Danielle Omrin, MSW, RSW, Jessica Roane, MSW, RSW, Vanessa Timmins, MSW, RSW

The post Back-to-school tips for students with bipolar disorder appeared first on Your Health Matters.

The team at Sunnybrook’s Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder asked some teens in the clinic for their suggestions on how they manage back to school season and prepare for the return to the classroom.  Here’s what they had to say:

What has the return to school been like for you from an emotional perspective?

It can be a bit scary sometimes to go back to a place filled with not-so-good memories. But it becomes easier when I focus on what’s ahead as opposed to what’s behind. There’s always something to look forward to, whether it’s seeing old friends, meeting new ones or just learning something new.”

After working full time this summer, I am excited about returning to school because I look forward to reuniting with my university friends, resuming club activities, and overall grow as a person as I transition into adulthood.”

How do you prepare for the return to school?

“I make sure to build a daily routine before the school year even begins! This includes fixing my sleep schedule before classes start and exercising at regular times throughout the week so I can keep the momentum going into the new school year.”

“I just remind myself of everything that has helped me in the past. It’s reassuring to know that I’ve dealt with this before and I have a plan.”

“A week before the fall semester starts, I typically will set alarm for 8 am to get my body used to getting up at an early time and begin a structured routine that I will experience for the school year. I find this to be extremely beneficial in terms of health and academic achievement. Aside from reading past lecture materials, I use the last week to mentally prepare for the year to come and engage in relaxing activities. “

What advice do you have for other students who are starting the school year, or for students’ in their first year at university, college or away from home?

“Find out if your school or university/college has any support services or accommodations!”

““Take advantage of your school’s accessibility services! As a student with a permanent disability, you may be eligible for a reduced tuition fee if you wish to take fewer than a full course load (e.g. less than five courses per semester), extra time and a private room when writing tests, a note-taking service if you are unable to attend classes, and assignment extensions.”

“Starting post-secondary is a difficult milestone for anyone. It’s important to remember that everyone around you is experiencing the same challenges. However, maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and time management skills are imperative for a good school year. Although spending time with friends is important, prioritize school work first and try to maintain a healthy balance between social life and academics. Do not be afraid to take a reduced course load or take your time. Go at your own pace whether it may be faster or slower. It is important to listen to yourself and your body during this time as only you know what is best for yourself. There will be points in the year where you will be stressed and frustrated, just know those feelings are normal and keep imagining the future you are working towards to remind yourself what all of your hard work is for.”

Is there anything else you would like to add?

“As a student, it can be easy to think that school is the number one priority. It’s not uncommon for a student to sacrifice sleep in order to study. That’s not an option for me anymore, and in a way, it forces me to prioritize my health. The problem-solving tools and self-care practices that I use to cope with stress can be used by any student.”

“Please have a balanced lifestyle! When you’re in school, it’s easy to get preoccupied with your studies only and neglect exercise, extra-curricular activities, and socializing with friends. In reality, it might be the activities outside of classes that will allow you to de-stress and actually become productive in the long run without burnout.”

Written by teen patients from the Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder

Learn more: Back to School Tips for Students with Bipolar Disorder from the Centre for Youth Bipolar Disorder

The post Student-to-student: Tips for managing school stress for teens with bipolar disorder appeared first on Your Health Matters.