If you have bipolar mania or depression then you know when an episode is starting if you understand your triggers.

Some triggers that may kick off an episode:

• alcohol and drug use
• sleepless nights
• poor diet, lack of exercise
• changes in weather and seasons
• conflicts with other people, problems in your intimate relationships
• grief
• social isolation
• physical injury or illness
• medication side effects

I have experienced episodes preceded by a few of these triggers.

Trigger: Sleepless nights

If I am not sleeping at night, and staying up wide awake this is a sign of mania coming on. I have done this on purpose, where I stayed up all night and the next day I am having pressured speech and racing thoughts. This is why as part of my symptom management, I have to have regular sleep patterns.

Trigger: Seasons changing darkness to light

For me when the seasons change to spring and summer there is more light and I tend to have manic episodes in the beginning of summer. I make sure I am staying on my sleep schedule and not staying up while still light outside.

Trigger: Event

My Dad’s birthday triggers manic episodes. It happened again this year in August. My Dad has been gone for over 15 years but I still celebrate his birthday. This is usually a high energy and productive day for me. Over the last 3 years on his birthday, I published two music albums and started two blogs.

When I started speaking more rapidly and staying up late, my daughters realized that something was going on. We spoke on the phone and decided that I should go see my doctor and nip this thing in the bud. I hadn’t had a manic episode in 3 years (under medication). At the moment, I was exhibiting high energy and creativity. Both are things I enjoy as it allows me to write and create music. But, I was worried that it would progress and get worse. Worse means I develop psychosis and full-blown mania.

Managing the mania

I showed up at the doctors when they opened. I was hoping to go on standby and wait for someone to cancel. The first patient canceled, and I was able to see my doctor. I told her about the high energy, continuous talking and my concerns. She agreed to up the dosage of my medications.

I went home and had two days off from work. I did some writing which helps to distract my mind. I forced myself to go to bed at my normal hour even though I wasn’t tired.

It took about two weeks before the mild manic episode subsided, but I was thankful it had been mild. Most mania in me (when unmedicated) is severe and lasts for months. This was a blessing. Two weeks.

Knowing yourself and knowing your triggers can help you prepare for mania or depression.

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