What triggers bipolar?

Question

what triggers bipolar episodes?

Answer 1

NOT TAKING MEDS, most of the time that's it. Or it maybe time for an adjustment. If taken properly lithium is usually constant in its effectiveness but anti-depressants like Prozac and Wellbutrin, unfortunately, for bipolars have to be changed and adjusted every so often to maintain effectiveness. I don't know why, but I do know that my life would be easier if this were not the case.

Excessive stress can trigger an episode, physical illness can trigger an episode. Their is also phenomena called rapid cycling which is particularly difficult to control. Fortunately most bipolars don't experience this very often.

Bipolar itself is caused by a person being genetically predisposed and growing up in an environment just stressfull enough to trigger the illness. I don't know how scientific that is but my Dr explained it that way to me. And for me that makes perfect sense. The really sad part is that is once it is triggered then there is no going back.

You can find a ton of accurate information about it here http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home

I don't want to sound like a know it all but some of the info here is way off. I would not say that if I did not thoroughly know this issue inside and out.

Also some people sound pissed because they are not getting a check. I trust that I don't have argue the fact that a mental illness can be debilitating. But for any one ignorant of the facts, here they are.

ABOUT SSDI. The only reason a person even has SSDI to draw from is because they had a good work history. IT IS EXACTLY LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY. As a matter of fact it IS social security. The amount of $$ you get is based on your work history. And this is the government people; they are not going to make anybody rich. Why do you think senior citizens are always so pissed? And until very recently, anyone receiving social security usually ended up spending $100s of dollars (like $300 - $400) a month just buying medication.

SSI however, is completely different. SSI is for minors with deceased or disabled parents. Children can’t support themselves OK. Or some people who have never ever been well enough to work at all like, an institutionalized 19 year old or a severely mentally retarded 25 year old get SSI. Even then, it is never much. I don’t know what they base it on but it’s maybe $200 or $300 a month. To live off of for a whole month, but what else is a 21 year old who has never had arms or legs supposed to do?????

It takes YEARS to get approved for SSDI. They do not just hand it out like food stamps. My Aunt was an RN who was completely devastated by a brain tumor. After 3 years of trying, being turned down, struggling, sick, no money, children to feed, absolutely could not work because she could barely see after the tumor she finally got approved for SSDI. And then like 2 years later the tumor came back but this time it killed her.

So if I sound indignant it is because I am. I took extreme offense to a comment someone made here and I am usually not easy to offend (just look at my Q & A on Y A). I refuse to believe that this person really does want to increase the homeless and indigent population of America so I thought I would shed some light on the subject even if I do come across like an uptight b*tch.

Damn it! See what you made me do. I have to go take a Xanax now!!! Actually, I don't have any, (and usually don't) I just felt like I had to lighten the mood some how.

Good evening everyone! Just think, you'll never have to listen to me again!

Answer 2

Many things can trigger it. Usually environmental related. Especially when a lot of things happen in your life on which you do not have a grip on. When this piles up and you'll get stressed by it you're more sensitive to go in to an episode. Of course if you stop taking your meds the chance is really huge, most bipolars get a manic episode then.

Answer 3

Well someone is usually predispositoned, maybe because of genetics.
Anyway what triggers it is usually environmental stressors.
I asked this question to a physchologist one time when I was taking in my nephew who was 6 in for his bipolar med. I asked because I had a hard time with a 6 year old having a diagnosis of bipolar. The environmental factors answer is what he gave me.
This made sense to me considering the kid had a terriable home life since birth...(at the time I took him he had been removed from his home by CYFD and placed in my care)
Also I noticed my sister's bipoar seemed to be triggered by severe stress and depression stemming from major fiancial problems and marriage problems.
I

Answer 4

Which cycle? Bipolar has two different episodes- a depressive one, and a manic one. The episodes are neurotic (what most refer to as 'normal') not psychotic (loss of touch with reality), so it doesn't take a lot for a person predisposed to the disorder to swing either way. Also, it can be years between episodes.

James J is talking out of his as s.

Answer 5

Bipolar is due to a chemical missing from the brain. There are many meds to help with bipolar, find out which one works best for you. Best Wishes and Happy New Year!

Answer 6

I feel I was born with bipolar there are things (problems ) that do make it worse or make it easier to have a episode

Answer 7

the dualistic nature of existance. Wisdom can hold contrary views and continue to function normally.

Are you asking what triggers the emotional highs or what triggers the emotional lows?

Either way the answer is life.

Answer 8

It's a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes bi-polar. You often need medication to regulate and balance the chemical that control your emotions.

Answer 9

That SSI check that people can get now days for bipolar.

Answer 10

Excessive masturbation