Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder and the Holidays

By December 2, 2014No Comments

Bipolar Disorder 2The months of November and December make many demands on everyone. There are more social obligations, more stressors, more late nights and more perceived expectations. It can be enough to turn anyone’s season of joy into a difficult season, but if you are living with bipolar disorder, the stakes are especially high. Does having bipolar disorder mean you can’t participate in things like parties, performances, shopping excursions and family gatherings? Of course not. You do, however, want to think ahead and be prepared.

1. Stay on Schedule
You already know that one of your greatest tools for symptom management is adhering to a regular schedule. The holiday season can play havoc with schedules, but you will need to work extra hard to stick to yours. If you go without normal sleep even one night, you could experience a mood swing. The same goes for staying on schedule with your medication – don’t allow busyness to interrupt your medication routine.

2. Avoid Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol is often in abundance around holiday time. However, it is just as dangerous for you at Christmas as it is any other time of year. It could interfere with your medication; it could disrupt your sleep; or it could lead to mood swings.

3. Be Aware of Limits
If overspending has been a past symptom of mania for you, then Christmas could be an extended period of temptation. Find a way to keep a check on your spending before it gets out-of-control.

4. Do Some Things More
While you want to do fewer late nights, less spending and avoid alcohol, there are things you should increase. See your doctor more often this season to be sure you are doing well. Shop earlier in the year to avoid Christmas buying pressure. Spend extra time exercising and taking care of yourself.

At Family Guidance Center we understand the tension of holiday pressures and bipolar disorder. Call us today and set up some regular times to meet with a mental health professional to help you keep life in balance when everything around you is tempting you to go overboard. We understand and we can help.