In Chapter 12 of Bipolar Disorder For Dummies, we discuss mood stressors and triggers—situations, events, or certain times of the year that tend to lower your threshold for the onset of a mood episode.
For my family, it’s Christmas. When my wife was teaching full time, we also experienced mood episodes during the first month of the school year and the first month of summer break—when my wife and I (Mrs. Mom and Mr. Mom) swapped roles. We knew these times were coming. We knew ahead of time that they were going to challenge us, but these same three times every year, we ran into trouble.
As Dr. Fink points out, situations that trigger mood episodes and a person’s mood threshold vary from person to person and family to family. In addition, as the illness progresses over the years, cycles seem to come more of their own free will, sometimes without the impetus of a stressor or trigger.
We invite you to weigh in on this topic and share any insights you have. Let us know what your triggers are. Are they job related? Lovers quarrels? Family fiascos? Holidays? Certain seasons of the year? Downtime? Situations or events? Or something else? Have you discovered or developed any techniques or avoidance strategies that seem to work for you?
I struggle with bipolar disorder on a daily basis
I struggle with bipolar disorder, but there are certain triggors that make it difficult to battle. Very recently I had some very strong “blows”….. two people who I thought were my friends cut off their friendship with me over stupid petty stuff that happened on the college campus I go to. It is a rather long story, and has too much drama to get into, but this has impacted me in a major way emotionally, mentally, and physically to the point of my wondering why am I even here on earth? If people are going to be so spiteful and vengeful then why should I stick around? This is too much anymore!! I just want to throw in the towel!