Having a Bipolar Parent: Effects & How to Cope

Licensed therapist, Dr. Matt Glowiak, talks about the effects of growing up with a Bipolar parent.

Effects of Growing Up With a Bipolar Parent

Bipolar disorder in parents can present challenging environmental factors that can have long-lasting effects on a child. Given the emotional instability of the parent, one may present as warm and loving one moment, but then irritable and aggressive the next. This may be especially true when children act out or make mistakes, as a common part of childhood.

For those presenting with bipolar psychosis, the experience may prove especially scary for children. The paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions may skew a child’s experience of reality—making them fearful of that which presents minimal, if any, harm. In some cases, children may even feel unloved, which damages their self-concept.

Growing up believing that the one person who should love them unconditionally does not can compromise development among all categories (emotional, cognitive, learning, physical, et cetera). Other presenting complications for children may include guilt or depression, anxiety or withdrawal, and shame

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Video by: Dr.Matt Glowiak PhD, LCPC

Article: Having a Bipolar Parent: Effects & How to Cope

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/bipol...

Written by: Dr. Matt Glowiak PhD, LCPC

Medically Reviewed by: Dr.Kristen Fuller MD

Published: January 6, 2023

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