The Holiday Season – How To Survive When You Have Bipolar Disorder
The holiday season is my favorite time of year. October, November, and December are always so much fun for me.
In September and October 2016, the stress was insurmountable in my life. I was doing my best to take care of myself each day, but it was not enough. With an illness like bipolar disorder, you can only do your best and hope for the best.
The end of October capped off with a big trigger. After all the stress, this trigger broke me. I slowly slipped into an extreme manic episode full of delusions, hallucinations, and overall psychosis. Ultimately, I landed in a psychiatric hospital for about a week.
This year, everything is different.
When I say that the holiday season is my favorite time of year—yes, it will always be. Like many other individuals, it is a time of increased tension, pressure, and overall stress.
I tell you this story only to illustrate the extreme nature of our illness during the holidays.
When it comes to surviving the holidays, I would like to give you some advice from my experience. Everyone does not have the same journey as me, but I can relate to others who have bipolar disorder.
Ways To Survive The Holiday Season
1) Avoid ALL Triggers
Stress is a big trigger of bipolar disorder. Even if you are stable and in a pleasant spot, I suggest avoiding all your known triggers. If your family is the trigger, stay away from them. This may cause some strife among your family members. Just remember that ultimately, your overall health and stability are more important than trying to wing it for a day.
2) Avoid Alcohol
This one is self-evident, but alcohol will only intensify the negative going around you. Alcohol is a depressant. Giving a mood-altering substance to someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder can have detrimental consequences. Most of the psychotropic medications we take have a warning to stay away from alcohol when taking them.
3) Maintain Your Daily Self-care
A structured daily routine is huge in maintaining stability. Focus on your daily routine and specific ways to keep healthy.
Make sure to:
- Exercise
- Eat Right
- Drink Enough Water
- Get Enough Sleep
4) Do Not Overeat
It is important to practice moderation with all the sweets and food that you are offered.
Spikes in your insulin level throughout the day can contribute to the instability of your mood. I’m not going to say do not eat that special cookie during the holidays. Instead, just be smart. Everything in moderation, right?
5) Focus on Your Mental Health
Regardless of whether it is the holiday season or not, it is imperative to always prioritize your mental health. If you are not in the right frame of mind, you cannot function.
Do whatever you need to do to create stability. Keep all your appointments with your psychiatrist and therapist during the Holidays. Everyone’s schedules deviate from the norm, but keep whatever appointments that you make.
Last Thoughts About The Holiday Season
The holiday season can be a very trying time, but following these simple 5 ideas will help keep you stabilized.
Do not let what happened to me, happen to you, ok?
Since I now know my triggers, I can avoid those triggers and keep most of them out of my life. I highly suggest that you do the same.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
Remember to always protect your mental health. It is an asset that is with you your entire life.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns you can e-mail me at john@thebipolarbattle.com
Until next time, take care of yourself! 😊
