Bipolar Disorder and the Weather

I don't know what it's been like where you are, but here it's been snowing, and everyone's been forced to stay inside, which isn't always good for someone with bipolar disorder.

You've heard of "cabin fever," right? Well, I think people with bipolar disorder get it worse than other people do. If you're stuck inside too long, it can either drive you manic or into a depression, if you don't do something about it.

If you're stuck inside because of the snow, that's a good time to work on one of the projects you've been putting off. At least then you stay productive, and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. This is good for your bipolar disorder, and good for how you feel about yourself.

At least our snow only lasted a couple of days, and then we were able to get outside again and go shopping and whatnot, so th cabin fever didn't really get to us. So neither my husband nor I experienced any bipolar symptoms during this time.

But when the weather is bad, it is not unusual to experience bipolar symptoms. There is even a syndrome that occurs during the winter months call SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), when during the cold months, when you are forced to stay insided because of the nasty weather, depression increases.

That can happen more easily with bipolar disorder, for those prone to depression anyway. The best thing you can do is get out as often as you can when the weather is good enough. Fresh air is good for those prone to depression.

Don't let the bad weather get you down. Get out as much as you can. This way you can overcome SAD and other feelings of depression because of the bad weather of the winter months. And it won't destroy your enjoyment of the holidays, either.

Don't forget to check out my bipolar book at: www.brokenroseministries.com

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele