Having bipolar disorder, or living with someone diagnosed with bipolar can be challenging. The disorder can make a person unpredictable and can have a serious impact on someone’s daily life.
Someone who suffers from bipolar disorder often experiences mood swings that shift from extreme elevation or manic to extreme lows or depression. The episodes can be brief and last for a few hours to a few days. However, it can also last for as long as several weeks to months.
Like we said, it’s very unpredictable. Because of this, it is important to understand and know about bipolar triggers and warning signs.
Recognizing these triggers is a good way to keep healthy and avoid episodes. There are a lot of things that can trigger a relapse.
Bipolar Triggers and Warning Signs
Here are some of the things to look out for that can trigger bipolar episodes.
- Antidepressants – there are some cases where antidepressant medications can cause a relapse in manic episodes. However, please do not let this prevent you from taking your prescribed medication. It only means that if you’re having any negative reaction to your medication, it’s important to let your doctor know.
- Not taking medications – another trigger is if you do not take your medication correctly. This can definitely put you at risk of relapsing.
- Street drugs or alcohol abuse – substance abuse can also cause a relapse in your manic symptoms. Additionally, alcohol can also cause a relapse in depressive symptoms.
Warning Signs of Mania
Here are some warning signs of mania that you should look out for:
- Decreased need for sleep
- Easily irritable
- Feeling extremely restless
- Showing impulsive behavior
- Talking faster than normal
- Racing thoughts
- Easily distracted
- Showing signs of overconfidence
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Feeling overly happy
- Feeling full of energy
Warning Signs of Depression
Just like mania, depression episodes can have clear warning signs as well. Look out for these signs:
- Withdrawing from relationships
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Losing interest in activities you once loved
- Feeling overly fatigued
- Frequent headaches
- Gets easily overwhelmed
- Feels the need for more sleep
- Cravings for sugary feed
- Having suicidal thoughts
By acknowledging these trigger and warning signs, you’re able to manage the situation better.
More on Bipolar Disorder
This article is part of our guide to bipolar disorder treatments, symptoms, causes and more.
Check out the next topic in our guide, how to get disability for bipolar.
