Hi,<\/p>\n
Did you know that there are many people that are affected by the change in seasons? Many people are affected by the weather in general. Scientists have even studied this phenomenon. And there has even been a mental disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder named for the disorder that affects people’s moods because of weather.<\/p>\n
Does your loved one get affected because of the change in seasons? Or because of the weather?<\/p>\n
We are in the fall season now, and the weather has definitely changed. Have you noticed a change in your loved one as well?<\/p>\n
Many things can trigger an episode in a person who has bipolar disorder. That’s what I’m talking about now \u2013 How the change in season, or the change in weather can be a trigger to bipolar behavior and even episodes.<\/p>\n
Consider this story:<\/p>\n
Dan was married to Natalie, who had bipolar disorder. Normally, Natalie was pretty stable with her bipolar \u2013 she was on medication for it, saw a psychiatrist, doctor, and therapist for it, and had made other lifestyle changes (such as sleep, diet, and exercise) to manage it.<\/p>\n
She rarely had mood swings, and together they had a good marriage and a pretty good life together, despite the fact that she had bipolar disorder. That’s why Dan was so surprised when one day, seemingly out of the blue, Natalie seemed to get very agitated, and picked a fight with him, which wasn’t usual behavior for her. Luckily, it ended very quickly, but Natalie cried over it, apologizing for being a terrible wife.<\/p>\n
She seemed to go into a depression after that, which Dan couldn’t understand, because to him, nothing had really changed that he could see.<\/p>\n
When they took Natalie to see her psychiatrist for answers, it came to light that the only thing that had changed was that the seasons had changed, and the weather had turned colder and darker<\/p>\n
more often, and this, the doctor believed, was responsible for the change in Natalie’s moods.<\/p>\n
He made a slight change in her medications, and she made some additional lifestyle changes, and her moods improved. She was surprised to find out that such a seemingly small change in her life could affect such a dramatic change in her bipolar disorder, but it had.<\/p>\n
———————————————————————————————————————<\/p>\n
Natalie’s story is not an unusual one. In fact, many, many people with bipolar disorder go through the same thing when the seasons change and the weather changes as well.<\/p>\n
As we go from the bright light of summer into the darker days of fall and winter, we are inside more, and are not as active as we are during the summer months. Our lifestyle changes. Our levels of vitamin D decrease. Our activity decreases as well.<\/p>\n
For some people, a mood change can occur, causing depression. For some, a decrease in activity can lead to an increase in stress and\/or agitation (irritation) as well. For people who have bipolar disorder, this agitation (irritation) can lead to increased anger and\/or rage.<\/p>\n
At its worst, increased anger and rage can be a symptom of an oncoming bipolar manic episode.<\/p>\n
In the extreme, a depressed mood in someone who has bipolar disorder can lead to suicidal thoughts and even suicide attempts.<\/p>\n
It falls upon you, the supporter, to be aware of this phenomenon, and to watch your loved one for any changes in them during this time. When the seasons change, you need to be more vigilant.<\/p>\n
Watch them for any triggers, such as increased stress or agitation, and any signs or symptoms of acting out behavior from their bipolar disorder.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi,<\/p>\n
Did you know that there are many people that are affected by the change in seasons? Many people are affected by the weather in general. Scientists have even studied this phenomenon. And there has even been a mental disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder named for the disorder that affects people’s moods because of weather.<\/p>\n
Does your loved one get affected because of the change in seasons? Or because of the weather?<\/p>\n