[wachiki92]

What triggers your depression or mania or just makes the episodes worse? For me examples are new relationships/friendships, loss of these relationships, and loud noises and people.

[HALLIEBETH87]

One would be when in chat someone saying something unkind about something that is important to me. While I can reply kindly I must then leave so I myself do not say something hurtful that I will regret.

[Curiosity77]

My biggest triggers are hormones and stress. Hormonal changes, such as PMS, are hard for me, and coming off the birth control pill triggered a severe hypomania, maybe mania, I'm not sure which. I also don't do well with stress. Some of my worst episodes were while recovering from a car accident, while buying a condo, going to grad school, and going through divorce. I'm OK for awhile, but stress eventually makes me come unglued. I told my pdoc that I thought I could come off meds because my episodes are stress related. She said there will always be unpredictable stresses in life, and my reactions to those stressors are extreme and not normal. So as much as I want to blame stress, I think it is only a trigger for the underlying problem of bipolar disorder. I'm under a lot of stress right now for job related stuff which happened suddenly yesterday, and my mood crashed from stable into highly anxious immediately, and it feels like a depression is coming on. I am just hoping things get better quickly, and I'm hoping I can bounce back from this without going into a major episode. Hopefully all these meds will do the trick at preventing disaster.

[venusss]

stupid people

stress

things happening around me that are outside of my control

[Victoria'smom]

Stress is my biggest one.

[outlaw sammy]

According to the research I've read, and my personal experiences, stress and anxiety (blended) are the greatest "situational triggers" that can catalyze a decompensation event (mania, mixed, depression). Learn about these "situational triggers" from resources on the internet, and you'll be well equipped to avoid the pitfalls.

[wildflowerchild25]

Stress, usually something family related. A huge fight with my husband kicked me into psychotic mania. I am in a mixed state right now triggered by family issues. I had the worst panic attack I've had since I was 11 on Thursday and then I hallucinated and thought the tv was sending me messages. Thankfully the med kept it from becoming a real episode.

[Dix888]

Loud noises (neighbors have been chainsawing down a tree & saw up cordwood for over 2 months!), my mother comparing me to my brother (he does not have manic-dep) "why can't you hold onto a job like your brother?" & being in crowds for too long. 2 hours is my limit for parties. I need about 4 hours alone to recover from 1 hour with more than 4 or 5 people

[doglover1979]

For me... Stress, physical illness, alcohol and being overwhelmed at work.

[pawn78]

stress
and stress
and stress

I am super sensitive to stress at this point, I am hoping medication can help.

[~Christina]

Stress and stupidity

[Bolivar83]

Interesting to see many of the same triggers. I also find loud noises very triggering, if the noise is sustained beyond, say, a backfire, or loud yell. Also exposure to people for extended periods of time can make me tired and depressed.

I have to avoid certain artists/songs as they tip me into deep depressions. Sad songs aren't cathartic for me, and can disable me for days. I feel nostalgic for the music sometimes, but know it is like poison to me.

Any depiction (or description, in writing) of animals being hurt in any way is a severe trigger - we are talking freak-out level distress. I look up any books or movies, etc on wikipedia, imdb, goodreads, etc to ensure the content.

Know I am tipping over into mania when I am unable to sleep for a few nights in a row. Also, I begin to talk faster, move faster, laugh more easily, and talk out loud to myself. Arguments with family members can trip this off - especially if i've disappointed someone and feel there is nothing i can do to make amends/make it right.

[Lemonchapstick]

Stress is definitely a trigger. However I find that I will go hypomanic/depressed after the acute stress crisis has passed, not during. Ongoing stress will either drag me down or put me into irritable/mixed state.

Lack of sleep, excess alcohol will also cause problems.

[wing]

Of course stress.

Then there are films and TV shows that depict all people with MI as misfits and lunatics.

I'm working to figure them out. Stress, crowds, and inflation are definite triggers. Doing anything for anyone else such as working because the paranoia of either being yelled at, reprimanded, or fired which probably all fall under the stress category. A lot of days just still being alive can be a trigger within itself. Go figure.

[shortandcute]

Originally Posted by wing

Of course stress.

Then there are films and TV shows that depict all people with MI as misfits and lunatics.

Oh, I totally get you on that one! At the very least, those shows are very unrealistic and exaggerated. I think that's part of where the stigma comes from. One of my pet peeves is the show: United States of Tara.

But anyway, stress is a big trigger for me.

[Nammu]

Thankfully hormones are no longer a problem for me.

Stress

Lack of sleep, this is a big one.

That voice in my head that causes me to think others are watching me for mistakes.

[Cocosurviving]

The few off the top of my head.... Very large crowds. Being out in hot temperatures. A lot of on going stress. People that think there qualified to know about the average BP symptoms. They make little comments like "just try harder".

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[Mental reward]

STRESS
Romantic relationships
Seasons

[BeachLyfe]

Stress in any form
Cold/dreary weather (maybe a bit of SAD?)
Emotional arguments with anyone close to me
Lack of sleep
Not enough alone time

[Beepee]

Stress, not enough down time, insomnia. Working 40 hours a week in a job that I find not stressful. Will be cutting back in the fall.

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[Skitz13]

Sress, toxic relationships, prolonged anxiety, myself, being sleep deprived

[Blitter2014]

Stress,
Anxiety
Over commitment
Lack sleep
Memories from past regrets- can be triggered by song, photo, scent, movie, book

How to avoid.....just say no
NO NO NO NO ....no brain...
Then, like 80% games on here, use distraction as a method to divert your thoughts. It doesnt always work, and sometimes "feeling" the emotions attached to those triggers can be addictive and suck you in, but you never end up feeling better than before.

Triggers fire things that usually end up hurting others....so are best avoided at all costs..


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[confusedanddown]

Stress is #1 for me, second is hearing people arguing and slot of people which will cause me to have panic attacks which I have no control of

[bmoe73]

It usually goes like this. Bad stress, sex...insatiable sex.After a hypomantic episode...then irritation...

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