Life's Triggers and Bipolar Disorder

Life’s Triggers and Bipolar Disorder 
A trigger is something external which can cause a bipolar episode. Everyone has different triggers. Sometimes excess stress or frustration at work can cause an episode a major disappointment can also contribute. If you have Bipolar Disorder you should try to determine what their personal triggers are, and keep a journal and try to help control your reaction to whatever might set off your episodes. Once you identify some triggers, you can work on handling those triggers more effectively so they will are less likely to disrupt the stability of the disorder. Even if you are on medication now and it is keeping you stable, you should still identify bipolar episode triggers and watch for indications of new bipolar episodes because sometimes even medication that has worked for years may stop working properly. A list of triggers should be a list of those things from past episodes that you have noticed are a signal when things are becoming more serious for you. One of the best ways you can prevent future episodes, besides, staying on medication and following the doctor's treatment plan, is to avoid triggers. Everyone is different, everyone has different triggers. However, there are some that are most common and which you can begin avoiding now that will help you to maintain long-term stability of your Bipolar Disorder.. Sleeping too little or too much are not only signs of an episode, they can also trigger them. You should get 8-9 hours of sleep a night. It may be difficult in the beginning, but adjusting your schedule in order to avoid a major episode gives you the incentive to control it. When our bodies don't get the nutrients they need, we can cause physiological problems. Work on eating a balanced diet. Avoid caffeine, sugar, and alcohol. . Stress in our lives is good, because it drives us to work hard and to better ourselves. Most people have too much stress in life. Stress is the number one triggers to bipolar episodes; you need to take the initiative to reduce the stress in your life. Your therapist can help you identify areas of stress and can give you suggestions for stress reduction. Regular exercise can also help you deal with stress. Many people with Bipolar Disorder try to shut themselves away from everyone. Feelings of loneliness and despair can trigger episodes; try to fight the desire to become a hermit. Yon can attend Support Groups, or spend time regularly with your friends and family. Keeping a Journal may help you to get your thoughts and feelings out, if you feel you can not share these with anyone. The power to take charge of your Bipolar Disorder and your life is in your hands and once you learn to help yourself by controlling the episodes that can cause havoc in your life. When you take control of the emotional upheavals you can also take control of your disorder and continue on the road to recovery.