Does pain or excitement trigger an episode for you?

I went snowboarding today (was supposed to go yesterday when it wasn't icy) and I'm in a lot of pain. I don't know what I did to my left shoulder, but I fell down pretty hard on the ice a couple of times, and my shoulder hurts a lot... like A LOT a lot. Slammed it! Probably because I'm rusty.

But what's interesting is that I haven't gone snowboarding at all this season, and I think the anticipation and excitement are definitely pulling my mood "up"... and the pain might be adding to it too. (Maybe my brain is overwhelmed?) Haven't been sleeping, not tired, energetic... the whole package deal. Been like this for a few days, but I'm irritable, not euphoric.

What about you?

[along4theride]

First, sorry you are in pain. Bummer.

I think there is something to that rush of excitement and an elevated mood. Wonder if it's even like the experience of say "runner's high" (which I don't get BTW. Why run when you can walk?).

Maybe it's specific too - that it's something like physical activity that raises mood. I have been told repeatedly by clinicians that physical activity helps mood.

[BastetsMuse]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Does pain or excitement trigger an episode for you?

What about you?

pain releases endorphins, so it's just barely possible that it could trigger a bipolar-related mood change, but having pain in itself causes mood changes.

I can't say that pain or excitement have been the actual triggers for my bipolar, they've just had their own flavors, so to speak.

[WhiskeyGirl]

they don't, but I'm primarily manic depressive.