Hi, how’s it going? I hope things are going good for you.<\/p>\n
The holidays are not always easy for someone with bipolar disorder. All the excitement can “trip” one into a bipolar manic episode. The let-down after the holidays may “trip” one into a bipolar depressive episode.<\/p>\n
You really need to watch your loved one at this time of year especially. And, of course, they need to be watching themselves.<\/p>\n
Two of the worst triggers to a bipolar episode are anxiety and stress. The holidays are full of both these triggers for your loved one.<\/p>\n
One advantage you have is that you can look back at last year and see how the holidays affected your loved one. Did they get nervous? Stressed? Out of control? Even gone into an episode? If it happened last year, it’s probably a good indicator of what will happen this year. So you need to be vigilant, and not let down your guard even though it is the holidays. Actually, you shouldn’t let down your guard especially because it’s the holidays.<\/p>\n
If your loved one got anxious or stressed last year at this time, you will probably have to help them through this year as well. You can help your loved one through anxiety and stress.<\/p>\n
Here are some suggestions:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tBe supportive<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWatch for signs or symptoms of an episode<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAvoid too much excitement<\/p>\n
\u2022\tKeep the gatherings to small ones<\/p>\n
\u2022\tAlways have a Plan B<\/p>\n
\u2022\tMake arrangements so that your loved one can leave a gathering early if they get too anxious or stressed<\/p>\n
\u2022\tHave a ready (plausible) excuse for declining
\nholiday invitations so that your loved one doesn’t
\nget overwhelmed or be uncomfortable<\/p>\n
\u2022\tMake sure that your loved one is comfortable
\nwherever you go, and avoid those places (like the
\nmall) that cause them anxiety or stress<\/p>\n
\u2022\tKeep the home environment as stress-free as possible<\/p>\n
\u2022\tOnly have people over to your house if your loved
\none is ok with it<\/p>\n
\u2022\tOccasionally check with your loved one
\nverbally to see if they are feeling ok \u2013 but not
\nso much that they feel like you are bugging them<\/p>\n
\u2022\tBe understanding if your loved one doesn’t feel
\nup to company, or up to going out to a gathering
\nor party (you may have to hide your disappointment)<\/p>\n
Although the holidays are a trigger for some people
\nwith bipolar disorder, your loved one doesn’t have to
\nbe one of these people with a little forethought and
\nplanning, as well as vigilance on your part.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi, how’s it going? I hope things are going good for you.<\/p>\n
The holidays are not always easy for someone with bipolar disorder. All the excitement can “trip” one into a bipolar manic episode. The let-down after the holidays may “trip” one into a bipolar depressive episode.<\/p>\n
You really need to watch your loved one at this time of year especially. And, of course, they need to be watching themselves.<\/p>\n
Two of the worst triggers to a bipolar episode are anxiety and stress.<\/p>\n