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Bipolar disorder is difficult to deal with anytime of year, but during the holidays it can be even more difficult. There are temptations, exhaustion, stress and relatives that can make keeping a normal and steady schedule next to impossible. It is important for women with bipolar disorder to know what the possible difficulties will be so that they can be plan ahead and be prepared for them. Being prepared will allow you to plan and reduce the impact that these have on you. Also, if you anticipate them having a significant impact, you will have a chance in advance to talk to your doctor about ways to get prepared for the holidays and the stressors they may bring.
Your Schedule
There is a chance that your schedule around the holidays could get disrupted and could be a bit less normal than what you are used to. Keeping a normal and steady schedule is important for maintaining bipolar disorder, so these disruptions could possibly trigger symptoms, such as a mood swing. It is important that you do what you can to stick to your sleep, eating, exercise and other scheduled activities.
Time Change
The holidays strike during the winter and in this hemisphere, this means that the nights are longer and the days are shorter. Some bipolar disorder patients experience mood swings related to this change. In the northern hemisphere, depression also often tends to be more common during the fall and winter seasons.
Spending More Money than Usual
If during your manic or hypomanic episodes, grandiose gift-giving or excessive spending are known habits, this could be a difficult time of year for you. It is important to plan ahead so that you do not spend more than you can realistically afford. Talking to your therapist and trusted friends and family members are ways to help with this.
Getting Over-Stimulated
Anxiousness and excitement are common emotions for the holidays, but when you have bipolar disorder, these emotions may be a bit more exaggerated than usual. You will be getting ready for parties and celebrations, and shopping and decorating. All fun activities, but they can also over-stimulate you. Excess stimulation has the potential to trigger mania or depression.
Alcohol
During the holidays, holiday cocktails and champagne are often flowing, but it is important not to imbibe too much. Alcohol has the potential to make you susceptible to mood swings, ruin sleep and interfere with your medications. So, if you choose to have a drink, make sure that you talk to your doctor first.
Feeling Like You Must Celebrate
The holiday hype is all around us, but it is important to remember that if celebrating the holidays are just not your thing, that this is perfectly okay. The last thing you want is to become depressed during the holidays because you feel pressured to celebrate something that you really do not want to take part in. Being depressed, especially this time of year, can result in isolation and this may lead to further issues.
Skipping Medications
The holidays are busy and if you are super busy, you may accidentally forget to take a dose. Missing a dose may make your mood less stable. So, it is important that you take the necessary measures to remember to take your medications on time. Setting an alarm and using a daily marked pill case are two ways to help remember to take your medications.
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