How to Identify the Stressors in Your Bipolar Life – Your Job, Romance, and Family
There are a number of triggers which can make it difficult to get your moods under control. By identifying these stressful situations, you will be better able to control your emotions. Your job, romance, and family are probably the most common stressors in your life.
Your Job
Working the 9 to 5 grind can be difficult for those suffering from bipolar disorder, as the routine of doing the same thing day after day can become very boring. In addition, some days you’ll be too depressed to feel like working in all, while other days you will be anxious and not have enough to do, which can make standing in the same place unbearable.
Especially in a depressive face, music or constant talking can become annoying, especially if one has a short fuse. Interruptions on the job, especially when focused on one project, can also be stressful.
Working for an hourly wage can be unacceptable if you a bipolar disorder, as you’ll be incredibly productive when manic, and not so productive when you’re feeling depressed.
Having varied shifts starting at different hours of the day every week can be taxing, as it will be difficult to establish a normal sleep schedule.
The best way to resolve the stress of a job is to find a career that is adapted to the bipolar lifestyle, such as working on commission or having a job online. This way, you’re able to take advantage of your hypomanic periods and rest during your depressive mood swings.
Romance
Sex can be one of the most persistent triggers, as it involves all sorts of emotions. In particular, hypersexuality during a hypomanic phase can cause increased sexual desire, which a partner may not share, potentially leading to affairs and promiscuity.
Antidepressants can also cause problems in relationships, as they cause a lack of interest in sex. The mood shifts are very difficult for a partner or loved one to understand and disagreements are common.
Some bipolar individuals choose to not get romantically involved in all, sparing themselves the unnecessary emotion, which will usually neutralize these triggers. Others arrange a system with their significant other, so that there are few disagreements, as well as standard procedures for when someone is manic or depressive.
Family
Due to the mental stigma associated with bipolar disorder, conflicts with family can be common. With bipolar disorder, a person may have arguments with members of their family, saying things that they didn’t mean. In addition, some people with bipolar disorder may have had family issues as a young child, and meeting this family member is a persistent trigger that causes mood episodes.
Family counseling can greatly aid in resolving these issues, but some families do not wish to participate, and in these instances it is usually best to avoid these triggers all together. Hopefully, your family will understand that you’re making the best decision for yourself.
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