Living with bipolar disorder can be a challenge, even when receiving the bipolar disorder treatment that’s right for you. Understanding bipolar disorder triggers and what to do about them can help.
For more information about living with bipolar disorder and getting treatment, contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery today at 866.294.5306.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder causes people to experience mood swings that include depressive low moods and euphoric high moods. These extreme fluctuations can make it difficult to maintain relationships or hold down a job. Even worse, they can lead to feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar disorder treatment typically includes medication to help balance brain chemistry, along with talk therapy. Therapy can provide insight into bipolar triggers and help clients learn the skills they need for coping with bipolar disorder in their daily lives.
What Are Bipolar Disorder Triggers?
Triggers are the external events that produce uncomfortable emotional symptoms. For example, a person with a fear of heights may experience anxiety by simply looking at a photo of someone skydiving. This is because the photo “triggers” a memory or makes them feel afraid.
Those living with a mental health disorder can help manage their wellness by identifying their triggers and taking proactive measures to minimize their impact.
People with bipolar disorder need treatment that includes medication to prevent the mood swings associated with this illness. This disorder is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
Unfortunately, bipolar disorder can’t be controlled through willpower. However, being aware of triggers can help reduce the frequency and intensity of mood swings. The most common bipolar triggers are the following:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Lack of sleep
- Stress
- Seasonal changes
- Medical issues such as thyroid problems
- Substance use
Some medications can also trigger mood swings. Speak to your doctor about your experiences with bipolar disorder before taking antidepressants or corticosteroids. Ceasing bipolar medication or not taking it as prescribed can also trigger bipolar symptoms.
Coping with Bipolar Disorder
Some triggers are out of a person’s control, but others can be managed with planning. Below are a few tips for coping with bipolar triggers when they happen:
Manage Stress
Stress is one of the most problematic triggers for people with a mental health disorder. Use stress management techniques such as mediation, regular exercise, or yoga to help decrease the effects of stress.
Manage Your Sleep
Sleep deprivation can trigger mania in some people with bipolar disorder. Everyone needs adequate amounts of deep, restful sleep every day. Practice good sleep habits like going to bed at the same time every night and turning off all devices at least one hour before bedtime.
Keep a Journal
Writing down your thoughts is an excellent way to cope with emotions, but you can take your journaling one step further to help manage triggers. Keep track of how much you are sleeping, when (and what) you’re eating, how much water you’re drinking, and any big events in your life that might cause stress.
Writing things down will help you identify patterns and help you prepare for times when you might be vulnerable to bipolar symptoms.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Even small amounts of drugs or alcohol can affect how bipolar medications work. They can also cause an imbalance in brain chemistry that might trigger a mood swing even for people who are taking their medication.
Taking steps to avoid and cope with bipolar triggers won’t cure a mental health disorder or make symptoms disappear for good. However, it can help decrease mood swings and give those with the disorder more control over their life when mood swings happen.
Learn More About Bipolar Disorder Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery
Bipolar disorder treatment from Serenity House Detox & Recovery empowers clients to manage their mental health no matter what challenges they face.
If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder as a co-occurring disorder along with addiction, contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery at 866.294.5306. Our compassionate team of recovery experts understands the importance of and has the experience to treat co-occurring conditions effectively.
