So you just got diagnosed with bipolar disorder and you’re trying to find answers, but learning about your new diagnosis is becoming overwhelming. Our team has put together our own research to help you identify five triggers for mania.
While bipolar disorder is a serious, long-term mental health condition that is characterized by extreme mood swings, it can be tamed.
The mood swings range from periods of depression, where you may feel hopeless and sad, to periods of mania, where you may feel overly excitable and full of energy.
Bipolar disorder can be a very difficult illness to live with for a variety of reasons, and most people living with the condition report finding it challenging to manage symptoms and keep them from impacting their lives in a negative way.
Mania is one of the two main symptoms of bipolar disorder, and it can be a very difficult symptom to deal with. Mania is characterized by a period of elevated mood, where a person feels abnormally or excessively happy and energetic for no clear reason. During a manic episode, a person may feel like they can do anything and they may feel compelled to take risks that they normally wouldn’t. This can lead to problems at work, school, and in personal relationships.
Other Symptoms of Mania
Mania can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Reduced need for sleep
- Racing thoughts
- Impulsivity
- Irritability
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
If you are experiencing a manic episode, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. left untreated, mania can lead to serious problems, such as:
- Hospitalization
- Financial problems
- Job loss
- Relationship problems
- Legal problems
There are a variety of treatment options available for mania, and the best course of treatment will vary from person to person. Some common treatment options for mania include psychiatric medications, such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, psychotherapy, hospitalization, and complementary and alternative therapies, such as supplemental omega-3 fatty acids, mindfulness practices, and acupuncture.
What Can Trigger Mania?
Mania is the most commonly experienced symptom of bipolar disorder, and it can be triggered by a variety of factors. These triggers may be environmental, such as stress from work or school, or a change in routine like moving to a new city. They may also be biological, such as a change in hormone levels, or exacerbated by dietary deficiencies and other conditions. Here are five common triggers for mania:
1. Sleep deprivation:
People with bipolar disorder are often susceptible to manic episodes when they haven’t slept enough. This is because sleep deprivation can cause an increase in the levels of certain stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can be a trigger for mania.
2. Changes in routine:
A change in routine, such as a new job or a move to a new city, can also trigger a manic episode. This is usually because these kinds of changes can lead to changes in a person’s social circle, often leaving people feeling more isolated and uncertain, as well as changes to sleep patterns and hormone levels.
3. Stress:
Stress is another common trigger for mania. Stress leads to changes in hormone levels, exacerbates psychological distress, and exhausts the nervous system, all of which leave a person more susceptible to manic episodes.
4. Medication:
Trying a new medication, such as antidepressants, can sometimes trigger mania. Many psychiatric medications alter hormone levels and can often have unintended side effects depending on how an individual reacts to the medication.
5. Substance abuse:
Substance abuse is a common trigger for mania. This is because substances such as alcohol and drugs have an extreme impact on hormone levels, can cause delusions and hallucinations, and often lead to increased self-isolation and self-destructive behaviors.
Getting Help
If you think you may be experiencing a manic episode, it’s vital to seek professional help as soon as possible. The sooner bipolar treatment begins the better someone’s chances of recovering and gaining control over their symptoms.
For those with bipolar disorder, outpatient therapy alternatives like LAT’s Intensive Outpatient Program greatly enhance outcomes. We deliver individualized, one-on-one help to you at your location in order to fulfill your specific healthcare needs. Additionally, clients learn techniques for self-acceptance, safety, and emotion management in our interactive group and individual Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy sessions, which aid in regulating potentially harmful or destructive behaviors. Contact Life Adjustment Team today to learn more about our programs.
