Introduction
The holiday season can be a stressful time for anyone. However, for someone with Bipolar Disorder, the holiday season can be an extremely stressful time. Individuals with Bipolar Disorder can shift from periods of depression to mania. This article will focus on the manic episodes experienced by individuals with Bipolar Disorder. It will discuss what causes episodes of mania during the holiday season.
Over-stimulation
The first cause of mania during the holiday season is over-stimulation. The holiday season can be a busy time for anyone. However, for individuals with Bipolar Disorder, who can become manic easily, the holiday season can become quite chaotic. According to webmd.com, “Shopping, decorating, and preparing for the holidays can leave you excited and anxious. Some family reunions aren’t always happy. Any excess stimulation can trigger a swing toward holiday depression or mania.” Therefore, it is essential, to not become too busy and maintain a schedule during the holiday season.
Excessive Spending
In addition to over-stimulation, another cause of mania during the holiday season is excessive spending. During the holiday season, everyone is buying gifts for family members and friends. It is easy to spend a lot of money during the holiday season. According to webmd.com, “It’s the season when it seems everyone is running up their credit cards. If you have a history of excessive spending and grandiose gift-giving during hypomanic or manic episodes, you are clearly at risk.” In other words, there is nothing wrong with buying gifts for your family members and friends. However, you do not have to buy everything on the shelves. Limit your purchases. It’s the thought that counts. Your friends and family members will still love you and appreciate your gifts.
Excessive Drinking
Another cause of mania during the holiday season is excessive drinking. It is easy to drink during the holiday season under stress, when you are busy. According to webmd.com, “The holidays are a time when excessive drinking is often tolerated, even encouraged. Though unwinding with alcohol can be tempting, it can be bad for people with bipolar disorder. Not only can it interfere with medicine, it may also ruin sleep and make you more prone to mood swings.”
Conclusion
This article has provided readers with the causes of mania during the holiday season. They include over-stimulation, as well as excessive spending. In addition to over-stimulation and excessive spending, another cause of mania during the holiday season is excessive drinking.