Bipolar disorder episodes can hamper a person’s mental and emotional well-being in more than imaginable ways. They can work against your recovery goals regardless of how long you’ve been working toward them, and sometimes they even discourage you from further treatment and medication. You can work to mitigate the effects of bipolar episodes by addressing symptoms and obtaining medical intervention when necessary.
The good news is that sometimes, this can be done on your end with the help of your loved ones at home. If you are able to predict your next bipolar episode well in advance, you could work to avoid some of the potential negative outcomes that may result from it. Knowing what to do when you start to see the early signs and symptoms of a bipolar episode can help you be prepared for what needs to happen next. But is there a way you can predict your bipolar episodes well in advance and tackle them more efficiently?
Signs of Your Next Bipolar Episode
Some trusted medical experts across the globe suggest that it is a possibility that someone could predict a probable bipolar episode under certain conditions. Having said that, these predictions essentially amount to understanding your triggers and early-onset signs and symptoms. By knowing what these triggers and signs are, you can prepare for what’s coming. This can help you minimize the effects of an episode and reduce the severity of the visible symptoms of the subsequent episode.
It is often noted that when people are about to face a bipolar episode, whether that’s manic, hypomanic, or depressive, they start showcasing specific warning signals. Maybe they begin engaging in destructive behaviors, get irritated more easily than usual, experience more pronounced mood swings, or begin showing signs of depression. You can keep track of your specific signs through observation and use them to prepare yourself for what’s coming.
By understanding what your warning signs and symptoms are, you can identify them earlier, which can save you from a lot of emotional confusion. If you are well aware of the initial symptoms to look for that may indicate you are about to have your next bipolar episode, you can work to mentally prepare for them and reduce their harmful effects before, during, and after the episode.
What to Do if You Suspect Your Next Bipolar Episode Is About to Happen
Here is a list of key points to keep in mind when you feel like the next bipolar episode is about to happen:
#1. Maintain a proper diary of the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing. This can help you detect an episode in the future.
#2. Take note of the warning signs you experience when a manic episode begins. This way you can know when, how, and what kind of symptoms are displayed. These symptoms could include an urge to drink and/or use substances.
#3. Do not ignore your medications. If, at any time, you feel you are shirking away from taking medications, inform your doctor or a close family member.
#4. If you notice a mood swing or disturbed sleeping patterns, do your best to engage in a healthy routine immediately. This could include regular exercise, a healthy diet, meditation or yoga, stress-relieving activities, or a good sleep routine.
#5. Always have a tested action plan ready that has worked well for you in the past.
#6. Keep your family and trusted friends informed of what you’re feeling. Your loved ones can be a major help.
#7. If you start to feel as though you’re reacting to triggers more intensely than usual, take note of these behaviors. This could be a sign that there is a bipolar episode underway.
#8. Pay attention to the way you speak. Are you talking more often lately on every topic, or have you been unusually quiet on even the topics that generally interest you the most? This can be an early warning sign of an incoming episode.
If you happen to notice any of these warning signs in your daily routine or behavior patterns, make sure you keep track of them and address them as soon as you can.
What You Can Do Now
Taking certain precautions after identifying early warning signs, such as maintaining an active lifestyle, informing your medical professional, asking for extra support from your spouse or close family members, and seeking prescribed medications or treatment, can help you mitigate the impact of your next bipolar episode. In addition, ensure that you are on track with your treatment plan to control your bipolar episodes at work or home. If you’re starting to feel like you need extra help with handling your bipolar episodes, work with a medical professional to determine the best way forward for you.
Bipolar episodes can be quite dangerous and self-destructive if not controlled and managed. People struggle a lot in the regular maintenance and treatment of bipolar disorders, and a single episode can ruin months of their efforts. If you can somewhat predict such episodes, it can help you maintain your overall mental, emotional and physical health. Monitoring your potential episodes can also help your family, who has high hopes of your recovery. If you are struggling to recognize the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, we can help you along in the process. If you are seeking external help under trained healthcare professionals, we could be the right fit for you. HealthyU is not only a safe place for your treatment, we also give due importance to your family in the process. Our team of industry-reputed professionals is experienced and can help you learn to manage your bipolar episodes. Feel free to call at (619) 542-9542.
