The following is an Editorial Resource from YourTotalHealth.
Reviewed by: Steven A. King, M.D.
Although bipolar episodes can occur without any obvious triggers, certain factors can set off or worsen bipolar disorder in people who are genetically prone to the condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. These factors include:
- A stressful environment or a negative life event. These events can include the death of a loved one, a divorce or the loss of a job. Psychotherapy and supportive family and friends can help you through these difficult times.
- Reactions to medications. Some antidepressant medications and other drugs may trigger manic or depressive episodes. Discuss this possibility with your physician before taking any new medications.
- Trouble falling asleep. In some people with bipolar, waking up unusually early also can be the first sign of a manic episode.
- An underactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can produce depression or moodiness in some people, triggering a bipolar episode. Doctors can do blood tests to check thyroid hormone levels and may be able to prescribe medication to correct the problem.
- Hormonal fluctuations. The monthly menstrual cycle, during and after pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause may trigger depressive episodes. Keeping a mood chart for a few months may help identify patterns of when symptoms occur, which may help your doctor or therapist give you strategies to cope with these changes. Taking birth control pills can help minimize hormonal fluctuations in some women, but may make them worse in others. Work with your doctor to find the right pill for you. (A note about pregnancy: Although many medications to treat bipolar disorder are not recommended during pregnancy because of potential harm to the developing fetus, they are often suggested to prevent postpartum depression in women after they deliver their babies. Work with your physician to do a careful risk-benefit assessment when considering taking medications after pregnancy.)
- Seasonal changes. Bright sunlight may trigger manic episodes in some people with bipolar disorder, while too little sunlight may contribute to depressive episodes. In some cases, using full-spectrum indoor lights that mimic sunlight year-round may help normalize moods.
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