People with bipolar disorder have long periods of depression followed by normal moods, punctuated by episodes of mania. People with bipolar disorder are prone to seasonality; that is, shifts in the severity of the disorder coincide with shifts in the seasons. This is similar to depression that gets worse in the winter. For those with bipolar who experience seasonality, the most common pattern is recurrent depression in the winter and mania in the spring or summer, although some experience hypomania, a less intense version of mania.

Springtime mania is unique in that it produces a mix of depression and manic symptoms. People may feel exhausted but also feel unable to relax. All of these changes are due to the circadian rhythm, the 24-hour cycle of our internal clocks, including the level of all activity within the brain and tissues.

Reducing bipolar mania in the spring relies on our establishing and following routines in our lives. But there’s more we can do.

  1. Track your moods by keeping a journal. Be consistent and record your moods daily. Your journal doesn’t have to be fancy, but note every day how your mood has been. If it’s been a great day and you’ve felt good, jot down what’s going on. If the day’s been lousy, try to identify what’s going on. Even if you can’t see what’s bugging you, and in bipolar disorder there’s often no easy to identify trigger, over time you’ll be able to identify your mood patterns. This isn’t a quick tool but it’s one of the most useful.
  2. Regulate your sleep. Getting enough restful sleep is one of the most effective steps to take to prevent springtime mania. Sleep regulation involves going to bed at the same time every evening and getting up at the same time.
  3. Learn how your sleep and eating patterns affect your body’s circadian rhythm. Physical activity, sleep patterns and eating patterns all affect circadian rhythm. Illnesses, even springtime allergies, can disrupt your activity patterns, leading to mania. Becoming aware of how these conditions affect your psychological balance is a major part of preventing mania.
  4. Get plenty of natural sunshine, but stop using light boxes after winter ends.
  5. Keep your support system strong. If you don’t notice a slide toward mania, it’s likely your support system will. A support system includes anyone who interacts with you daily. It’s that daily contact that’s important. Make sure a mental healthcare professional is part of your support system and consider increasing your visits in the spring and early summer months.

If you’re needing some extra support, Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.