I know that Bipolar episodes are triggered by our external environment but...?

Question

Is it possible that similarly our external environment can take us out of an episode too. For example if my husband is mean to me and I am already showing signs of stress or irritability that can be the trigger that pushes me into an episode. If he wasn't mean and nothing else happened I may be able to hold it together.
If my husband says sorry and tells me he shouldn't have said it and is tender then I can sometimes come out of it.
What do you think based on experience and knowledge?
No cruel or sarcastic answers please.

I have bipolar disorder. I am just waiting to be medicated.

Answer 1

I find that personally, a lot of the time, mine isn't necessarily the external environment, but that it can make it worse after an episode is already triggered. My doctor says that a lot of times weather can also play a factor in when you have an episode. You said you are waiting to be medicated, and when you finally get a type of medicine or two or three or even more (I take 7 twice a day myself), then your episodes will be a little easier to control. Now there are certain things that can make me go into a fit if I'm already in a state of mania or dpression, but usually, if you are at the point where you are going to go, it's going to happen regardless of external factors. It's not you or anyone else, it's just that your brain needs more or less of a chemical or two. Just be sure to take you medication as directed, and tell your doctor if anything changes so an adjustment can be made.

Answer 2

I'm honestly not quite sure what you're asking, if you mean that the stress from life events can be a factor in triggering an episode (it can contribute to a mood disorder the same way it can contribute to heart problems, but stress in itself is not a cause), or if you're asking whether or not bipolar disorder is caused by life events. The answer is no. Your cat or your grandma dying is a stressful life event but in most situations - even if you have bipolar disorder - it'll only trigger a normal grief reaction. Generally the way it works in my experience is that if a life event *seems* to cause an episode, you were actually already experiencing symptoms to begin with and the stress is just aggravating it. Bipolar mood swings kind of have their own separate schedule, if that makes sense. You aren't totally helpless to counter that if you have them, but sometimes you're going to end up manic or depressed (usually depressed) despite your efforts, and despite anything going on in your life. It's just a thing that happens.

Answer 3

I think you are correct, but it does not apply to bipolar alone. It is built within us all. Everyone that is feeling down or low (depressed) will be elevated to some degree when treated with understanding, kindness, praise, love, respect and tenderness. This is especially true when the one giving the positive attention is a loved one.

Another point to consider is that enviromental factors that triger us bipolars also have negative effects on those that are NOT bipolar. However, since their chemical make-up is in balance they are most often able to ignore or shrug-off what ever it was. Bipolars don't have that ability until their chemical imbalance is corrected through medication and/or therapy.

No one talks about how these enviromental factors trigger a positive normal reaction from us bipolars because it is a NORMAL reaction. Heck, they don't even talk about negative normal reactions, again because they are NORMAL. They only notice the negative abnormal reactions. This is just a natural part of the human psychology. To not notice those things that are expected (normal) and to take careful note of those things that are unusual or out of place (abnormal) is just the way we humans operate. Doctors, psychiatrists, therapist and many other professions have to be taught to observe the NORMAL as well as the abnormal.

Terry
[e-mail]

http://www.ourbipolarworld.com

Answer 4

I've been medicated for about 18 months now, and had a few goes at getting drugs and doses right. Here's my personal perspective...

While on a mood stabiliser, I have had 'breakthrough' episodes, and now that I know the signs, I can recognise them starting. I have also learned to see what triggered them, and sometimes how to remove that stress.

Even knowing the cause, catching the episode early and removing the stress I have found it very, very hard to 'tough it out' and get through without the episode blowing up, or increasing my meds.

It sounds like you are very fortunate if you can avert episodes like you say. Once you have got your meds right, I think you will do very well. Good luck.

Answer 5

My shrink put it best when he said that Bipolars have "twitchy, sensitive brains". Change, upset and fatigue are big triggers for us. That's where a good therapist helps in dealing with the moods along with the medications. Another thing I found is that if I feel different, my meds might not be working as well. I just switched from lithium to lamicital and am doing much better.

Answer 6

Yes! Alot of times when we have our stressful moments and haven't went into an out burst some one else or some thing else can trigger it immediately. By your husband appoligizing can ease it for a moment, but he didn't started the stress. Since he didn't start the stress it won't completely go away. You have to find out what actually started your stress/depression to fix it. I am also bipolar and I have been through counseling for seven years. One of the main things I have learned is you are the one who allows yourself to become depressed. This doesn't mean you are the reason you are depressed. It doesn't mean you caused the depression. It just means you allowed it to happen. With bipolar you not only have depreesion to fight you also have anger. Again anger works the same way as depression. Doesn't mean you caused and it doesn't mean your the reason. It just means you allowed it!!! Always remeber what started the anger, stress, anxiety, or depression is what needs to be solved to stop it.

Answer 7

Bipolar disorder is very complex and is not a condition based on a specific event over a short period of time. The disorder develops overtime, where in younger years, appears as depression and becomes more apparent through adolesents or young adults.

You would have to be interviewed and monitored by a psychiatrist and psychologist for several months before you can be diagnosed. From my experience and research, you would have to form the basis of the diagnosis from experiences of mixed moods, bouts of severe depression, uncharacteristic behavior, thoughts of suicide, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, overly optimistic views, improved flight of ideas, improved cognition/creativity with little or no sleep, substance abuse, dysphoria (mixed manic and depressive state), hypomania (euphoria) and rapid cycling (vast changes in moods within days/hours/minutes).

I know that this is a condensed paragraph that covers a lot, but it gives you an idea of what someone with bipolar disorder will experience in as little as one hour.

I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder/borderline personality disorder and am under strict observation of a psychiatrist and two clinical psychologist.

I'm not a Dr. but from what you described, you are not experiencing an episode, you're just reacting normally to your husband. I would suggest that you go to marriage counseling and learn how to cohabitate in more healthy way.

Hope all goes well for you and him.

Answer 8

I agree- If the people in your environment are removing stress by supporting you rather than attacking then the simple fact of removing the physical stress would be healthy. My sister started doing much better when we knew she was having problems. We were then able to handle her in a mature way w/ care and understanding.
It took away the paranoia aspect of her state.

Answer 9

I totally get what you are saying! If I'm on the verge of having a "moment" I am very easily pushed over the edge. However, it could just as easily go the other way too with a little calm, quite, and understandin.

Answer 10

The same thing for me. Sometimes I'll snap out of it, with enough prodding from my fiancee, but other times, the damage is done, and he and anyone else had better stay out of my way. So, I would think that your theory is true.