Today is bipolar disorder awareness day and for this reason, I have decided to share some information regarding the link between stress and bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder affects approximately 45 million people worldwide, yet it is still relatively misunderstood. The one thing experts do know about bipolar is that it does not mix well with stress. In fact, a highly stressful event can trigger the onset of bipolar disorder in those who are genetically predisposed.

So, the question is, how do stress and bipolar interact with one another, and what can be done to alleviate or minimize manic episodes?

Bipolar Disorder and Stress – What is the Connection?

Previously known as manic-depression, bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood fluctuations. In other words, an individual might move between extreme euphoria to severe depression. Although more recently we have learned that not everyone with bipolar will experience depressive episodes.

Managing stress is something that everyone should try and do as it can wreak havoc on our central nervous systems. However, managing stress is particularly important for those with bipolar disorder and here is why:

• Stress can cause relapse and trigger symptoms, making an individual more prone to experiencing manic and or hypomanic episodes
• People with bipolar disorder are generally more susceptible to experiencing stress than the average person

Both stress and bipolar disorder affect the central nervous system in similar ways. Some of these effects include:

• Being easily distracted
• Forgetfulness
• Irritability
• Depression
• Feelings of guilt
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Loss of interest in activities one would normally enjoy

Bipolar and Overstimulation

People with this disorder are more prone to feeling stressed and this is often due to sensory overload. Many people with bipolar disorder have difficulty processing sensory input such as sound and find it challenging to block out unnecessary sensory information. This experience can increase stress levels which makes the individual more vulnerable to experiencing a manic or hypomanic episode.

Body Stress Release Cape Town – Managing Physical, Emotional, and Psychological Stress

Clearly, people with bipolar disorder are more vulnerable to stress than other people for a variety of biological, psychological, and social reasons. However, the message I want to leave you with is one of hope. There are all kinds of stress management tools and techniques, Body Stress Release being one of them. Contact me to book your first session.