5 Most Common Bipolar Disorder Triggers

Bipolar disorder on its own is frustrating and confusing enough, then we have to include the causes and triggers that can possibly push our loved one into an episode, either manic or depressive, although these events may seem to be day-to-day tasks and considered trivial to the non-bipolar community. Although most episodes do not necessarily need a trigger in order for them to make themselves known, it’s a good idea to identify the triggers that are the most common to your loved one and prepare a proactive plan accordingly. Here is a list of the most common triggers that are known to stem either manic or depressive episodes:

1. Stress: Although this would seem to be the most vague of the list, this is the most common and important. With the uniqueness of the bipolar mind, a number of events may arise that would cause some general stress in life, but for the bipolar mind, some of these events will be enhanced and cause great concern, thus triggering an episode on how the event will be managed and what kind of outcome is to be expected.
2. Drug or Alcohol Abuse: Drugs and alcohol do not cause bipolar disorder, however, if mind altering substances are introduced, these may indeed trigger some potentially dangerous episodes that will make the disorder worse, and therefore, amplifying the effects of both the substance and the episode. It has been determined that most drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy may trigger mania episodes, while tranquilizers and alcohol may trigger depressive episodes.
3. Medication: Expectations that medications and prescriptions would help alleviate episodes, sometimes, they do the exact opposite. Such medications such as anti-depressants have been known to trigger intense manic episodes as well as several over-the-counter medicines. Keep an eye on these as the expected results may be the opposite of what truly may occur.
4. Sleep Patterns: Sleep schedules may soon become a double-edged sword in the life of a bipolar individual. Not only can the cycling of episodes trigger an unbalanced sleep schedule, but sleep deprivation can also trigger manic episodes. During the duration of the manic phase, it is very difficult to ‘slow the mind’ enough to relax and ultimately, cause the individual to crash into yet another exhaustive and depressive episode.
5. Time of Year: The changes of the seasons being different stresses and may also bring opportunity for triggers due to the environment. Holidays and such seasons as autumn, winter and spring are known to bring on depressive episodes which the summer or warmer seasons may being on manic episodes.

Although are commonalities that may be attributed to bipolar disorder in general, it is imperative that supporters of a bipolar loved one truly understand the individual and their unique triggers in order to successfully navigate you and your loved one through as episode. We cannot remove all triggers from the lives of our loved ones, but if we pay attention to the triggers and what causes them, it is easier to ensure that the episode is not out of control and may be addressed even before the trigger itself fires.

With a passion to reach out and to help others, Rich opens up a direct view into the trials and tribulations that come with managing a bipolar relationship and how to use real-world techniques to aid in stability and support.

Rich Wallace

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