One of the tougher parts about living with bipolar disorder is that you can be going about your life, functioning pretty well, when a manic or depressive episode suddenly gets triggered. “Those episodes can last anywhere from two weeks to eight months or even longer, depending on how effective the treatment is,” says David Miklowitz, PhD, distinguished professor of psychiatry at UCLA Semel Institute and author of The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide.
That’s why it’s so helpful to know about potential triggers: You can look out for early warning signs you’re slipping into a manic or depressive state and get help sooner. Here are four common vulnerable times to have on your radar.
1. Family and marital conflict
The people you live with can have a huge impact on your mental health, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that your partner, roommate, kids, or parents may trigger a manic or depressive episode. “Family and other close relationships can be supportive and protective or they can be risk factors if your family and loved ones are critical, show disappointment in you, don’t give you enough independence, or have problems with boundaries,” says Dr. Miklowitz. “That’s why we recommend family therapy or support groups in addition to medicine. Bipolar disorder puts incredible stress on families, relatives, and close friends, and these individuals have to learn it’s an illness that the person suffering with it can’t fully control.”
2. Loss and separation
A breakup, divorce, the end of a friendship, losing a job, or having a friend or family member die are potential triggers for people with bipolar disorder. While you don’t always know when a separation event or loss is going to happen, it’s key to prioritize your health if there are signs one is coming. “If things aren’t going well at work or in a relationship and you’re under stress, make sure you’re getting sleep, taking your medications as prescribed, and seeing your therapist,” says Dr. Miklowitz.
3. Success reaching a goal
It may sound counterintuitive, but having something good happen can be a bipolar disorder trigg. “Let’s say you get promoted or fall in love or even get a big refund on your taxes — all these things can make you feel very excited, which can affect people who are vulnerable to mania,” says Dr. Miklowitz. “You might stay up later thinking about all of the options and opportunities ahead, which can make you manic before you know it.” His suggestion: Talk to your therapist to help you recognize signs you’re becoming manic and work on strategies to prioritize your health and mood.
4. Change in your sleep/wake cycle
Yiu Yu HoiGetty Images
Your circadian rhythm — your body’s natural 24-hour cycle between being awake and being asleep — impacts levels of hormones and neurotransmitters in your body. So when your circadian rhythm suddenly changes, it could set off an episode. “There’s a theory that circadian rhythms are disordered in people with bipolar disorder, so events that dramatically shift sleep cycles, like traveling across lots of time zones or going from working day shifts to night shifts, can bring on an episode of either depression or mania,” says Dr. Miklowitz. If you’re anticipating a change in your sleep/wake cycle, make it gradual instead of sudden to reduce the chances that your mental health will suffer.
If you experience any of the above triggers and start to slip into a depression or manic state — maybe you are withdrawing into your room more or talking a lot faster and can’t sleep call your doctor or medical professional as soon as possible to get the help and support you need.
If you’re struggling with anxiety or depression and need professional help, the American Psychological Association’s Psychologist Locator tool can help you find a licensed therapist in your area.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io