Bipolar disorder brings dramatic shifts in mood & energy. Being aware of these five major triggers empowers you to identify yours, and regain control.
Stress acts like a fire accelerant for bipolar disorder. Common stressors like grief, breakups, or even natural disasters can intensify mood swings and trigger episodes.
Bipolar disorder can disrupt sleep, but a lack of sleep can also trigger or worsen mood swings. This two-way street highlights the importance of prioritizing healthy sleep habits for managing bipolar disorder.
For some people , seasonal shifts can trigger episodes. The culprit? Changes in daylight hours. These variations impact brain chemistry, particularly melatonin, which can influence mood regulation.
Studies suggest certain hormones like estrogen and testosterone fluctuate during manic episodes. Additionally, for women, hormonal shifts from menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can impact symptoms.
Certain recreational drugs and even some prescriptions can trigger can trigger manic or depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder. Antidepressants, for example, may sometimes induce manic episodes.