Triggers?

Hi all,

I was just wondering what some of your triggers are? In the past mine has been hypomania which turned into insomnia which turned into full blown mania/psychosis. I was able to identify this early last Dec and voluntarily scheduled to check myself into the hospital the day after Christmas but ended up going into full blown mania on Christmas eve! Lately, I've been under a lot of stress and anxiety with my dad (he's about to be on the streets due to mania spending and eviction) and I have a roommate who is a drunk. Both bring out the worst in me. I get very upset and mean (down right *****!). I guess the easy option would be to give the roommate notice so I've been hinting at that with him when I express how he makes me feel when he gets drunk. He isn't listening to me and its as though he likes to argue. I think I will give him notice Oct 1st. He will be out of town all this week. Long story short, it's make me very stressed and anxious and irritated and impatient. Is this a trigger that can push me into mania/psychosis? Or is it mainly just hypomania?

Jennyanydots,
I am sorry to read that your going through so much right now. I hope you the best and that you reach out if needed for help as you've done in the past.

9 Most Common Triggers for Bipolar Mood Episodes | Everyday Health

Each person has their own triggers, and yes stress is a common one... but just because it can be, doesn't mean it will- if that makes sense. Also using skills that have helped in the past with stress management and other triggers can assist with handling the situation, along with your own management of bipolar.

Ps your room mate sounds maladaptive and may not help with stability, however do you have a contract with the lease and a plan to leave safely?

Thought you mention he argues a lot,
Also hinting at someone else of how their actions effect you, some times doesn't always click for some... sometimes being straight forward with the issue, a meeting in a sense is what is needed for them to understand and not to be left up to interpretation.. and some people just never will "get it" because they have their own challenges to see other people, ((assholes that a selfish in other words, some are)).


You mentioned checking in prior and identifying signs, which is great in my opinion.. but I understand also it's very difficult to "know" or identify.

Your dad, I am sorry to hear his situation but always remember you have to help yourself first and foremost before assisting another...
This, maybe not isn't "all the time", but it appears most of the time that advice fits in with life.

Ps... stress is a big trigger with me, but I also question my bipolar dx.. but I also know it is a trigger and also a symptom of episodes... I am not sure if it's a chicken or the egg came first in some situations ya know??

Sorry for babbling and hopeful some more folks come on to support better

I have lots of triggers surrounding abuse (like from my family and stuff)

I also have fire as a trigger (so anything to do with fire), and anything to do with the air (like I'll never go in a plain or anything)

talk about my future, talk about my past, certain songs, I have a lot

Not sleeping, drugs, alcohol, stress for bipolar. I have a bunch of PTSD triggers but I won't get into those.

Abuse. Certain news topics. Some music. Too much stress in a work setting. Emotionally draining situations like the death of a family member.

im weird I don't get triggered by anything more than the season. i don't carry a lot of stress but the downfall is it's hard for me to express emotions.

on second thought if I have a lot going on at once, like it's spring time, I'm moving, new job, family issues and financial stress, I sometimes get wired.

Extreme or even just a little STRESS gets me everytime

Anything that reminds me of childhood.

Stress and lack of sleep. Those are the main two triggers. Light stress usually doesn't mess with me but things get harder of course when the stress is major/extreme. When that happens I try using every coping skill I know (and I know a ton) and working through it the best I can.