Mood swings from mania or depression occur from bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mix of episodic mood swings, these occur anywhere between depressive up to manic mood swings. There are no known causes of bipolar disorder, but it is shown to be linked to genetic and environmental influences.

Every person with bipolar disorder is different and episodes can last a long time or occur at shorter but more frequent times. In order to help manage bipolar mood swings better, it is important to know what causes the mood swings. It is extremely important to get treatment for your bipolar disorder.

Common triggers to bipolar mood swings can consist of:

• Not getting enough sleep
• Not having a consistent schedule
• The use of alcohol
• Stress from large life events
• The use of substances
• Seasonal changes depending on where you live

During these triggers you may experience symptoms or changes in:

• Sleep patterns/restlessness
• Feeling tired
• Energy levels/having too much energy
• Feelings of being worthless or sad
• Changes in food consumption

Bipolar mood swings affect millions of people. The symptoms and triggers can vary from person to person. Try to be mindful of your symptoms and triggers. Do not ignore your bipolar disorder and symptoms, this will only make things get worse over time. Although different strategies help some people, this doesn’t mean they help everyone.

Besides talking to your primary doctor about treatment, below are some possible coping strategies to help your bipolar mood swings.

• A consistent schedule

Sleep deprivation is very common with bipolar disorder and can cause worsened depressive episodes. Keeping a consistent schedule and trying to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day can help with these episodes. Create a sleep routine to help calm you down. Cut out electronics before bed and when first waking up. Keeping a consistent schedule can also help with managing stress.

• Always take prescribed medications as directed

Taking medications can seem overwhelming. With bipolar disorder your medications may seem to make you feel different, but taking your medications as directed by your doctor is important in combating your bipolar mood swings. Without taking these medications and taking other necessary steps, your mood swings may become drastically worse.

• Create an exercise routine

Keeping up on exercise helps our mood. Try creating a workout routine or exercise outside. Taking long walks outside in the sun can be very beneficial to your mood and feelings. Yoga and breathing exercises can also help manage your symptoms.

• Have a support outlet

Understand who your support outlet is. This can consist of loved ones, friends, or even support groups. This allows you to have someone at hand that you can speak to when you are experiencing heightened symptoms. A support outlet allows you to speak about your frustrations and feel heard. Support groups can be great because you get to talk to others that are experiencing similar things as you.

• Journaling

Journaling allows us to express our feelings in a healthy and safe way. Journaling also allows us to identify our triggers and changes in what we are doing. This can also help when speaking to your doctor and/or therapist.

• Talk therapy (psychotherapy)

Talk therapy can help to talk about thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can help us understand our feelings and emotions to help cope with our symptoms and problems. Talk therapy can help reduce our depression levels and the severity of our symptoms, therefore improving our overall quality of life.

These strategies will not get rid of bipolar disorder. These coping strategies are merely to help identify and manage triggers and bipolar mood swings. This helps to relieve stress and anxiety so that we can navigate and live a happier and healthier life with the disorder. Do not be afraid to reach out to a trained therapist for help!