I agree that it was a great read. Thanks for sharing it!

I had done some minor online research on this topic in the past, but the study referenced provided a more detailed discussion. I can certainly say that my course of bipolar disorder was certainly influenced by the kindling effect, but as the article referenced, there are other factors to consider, too.

Major stressors were involved in both the onset of my bipolar disorder at 14/15 and later down the line. When I was younger, I bounced back a bit quicker, yet I did spend much more time back then in milder mood episodes. As I got older, I experienced much more severe, and longer, episodes. My recovery from my most severe episodes was much tougher and slower. But again, I'm sure that more than just kindling played a part.

My stress tolerance was significantly lowered 16 years back, but has started to improve. The right medications (not all), good therapy, effort, time and patience for mental healing, and low stress situations have aided in my healing. Because of all of these things, I believe I am a proper baseline more months of the year than in all of my past. I still struggle with anxiety issues, but they are a little different animal for me.