Articles and blog posts relating to stress and living with bipolar disorder.
Scientists have discovered that stress transmitted from others can change the brain in the same way as a real stress does. March 8, 2018, University of Calgary, ALBERTA, CA—In a new study in Nature Neuroscience, Jaideep Bains, PhD, and his team at the Cumming School of Medicine’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), at the University...
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Feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety? There are some simple strategies you can work into your daily life to find relief. My name is Lisa Acuña and I’m here with bp Magazine’s bphope Vlog and during this episode, I’m going to be talking about managing stress more effectively with bipolar disorder, and the techniques...
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A few minutes alone with a pet cat or dog might do more to help people’s stress than talking about their troubles with their best friend or spouse, according to a new study. Researchers recently examined the effects of the presence of friends, spouses and pets on the level of stress associated with certain relatively...
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It’s important to find a place where you can escape daily stressors and focus on activities that build stability when living with bipolar disorder. When I had my last bipolar episode, I was particularly vulnerable and hypersensitive. I also was experiencing paranoia that only served to add to my unstable condition. I was afraid...
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Hobbies such as gardening can be a great way to take on stress and stay active when living with bipolar disorder. Having bipolar disorder can take its toll on our physical health as well as mental health. I have found one of the best ways to combat this is by having a hobby that is...
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A University of Florida study discovered kids who interact with dogs have lower cortisol levels—a biological marker of the body’s stress response May 10, 2018, Gainesville, FL— Pet dogs provide valuable social support for kids when they’re stressed, according to a study by researchers from the University of Florida, who were among the first to...
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Learning to tell the difference between stress from a specific source and bipolar disorder anxiety can help you manage both. First, I should clarify the role anxiety plays in bipolar disorder. Bipolar is a mood disorder that has two mood swings: mania and depression. All of our symptoms will either show up in a...
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Moving is difficult, especially if you are dealing with bipolar disorder symptoms. It can help to consider five factors, including adjusting your treatment plan for your new home base. If I know one thing, it’s that moving sucks. It is stressful and for those of us with bipolar disorder, we need to be extra...
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Stress can spark bipolar disorder symptoms such as obsessive thoughts and depressive episodes. Dave Mowry shares a technique that’s helped him combat stress and its effects. I live with bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive thoughts. One of the main triggers for me is stress. I learned over my years of living with...
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A combination of time and experiences can be helpful when it comes not only to managing bipolar disorder, but living a fulfilling life. By Karl Shallowhorn If you have been recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder you may be having a number of feelings: fear, anger, sadness or despair, to name but a few....
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If you are a “highly sensitive person” overstimulation from your environment can be a trigger for mood episodes. Here is what you need to know. By Sasha Kildare Are you bothered by sounds and smells that don’t annoy the people around you? Are you often accused of being overemotional and too easily upset? You...
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The holidays often fuel stress by throwing off routines and adding extra pressures, such as getting and giving gifts. Below are strategies to stay stable. By Shannon Hazlitt Harts While classic Christmas songs depict a time filled with festive decorations and joyful gatherings, there’s another major element to the holiday season for many:...
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Stress is a normal part of life. When living with bipolar disorder, stress can cause problems that may increase symptoms and make life more difficult. By Karl Shallowhorn Stress. You can’t get away from it. Relationships. Work. Physical health. The jerk that just cut you off on the highway. It’s everywhere. If you’re like...
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Polarization over politics is at an all-time high. Mindfulness is an effective antidote to the constant bombardment of upsetting news and social media. By Melvin G. McInnis, M.D. The preoccupation many of us have with national politics these days is overwhelming. Many people are checking news and social media feeds on the hour and...
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Our relationship to animals has a profound effect on the biochemistry of our brains; here’s how: An oxytocin boost There are documented physiological changes in people who spend as little as 15 minutes with a dog or cat or participate in equine therapy—Their oxytocin levels increase. Dubbed the “love” or “hug” hormone, oxytocin creates a...
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From the “love hormone” to the “runner’s high” pets affect our biology. The bonding effect Researchers have shown that if your dog gazes into your eyes for long enough, your oxytocin level will increase. The neuropeptide oxytocin is commonly referred to as the “love hormone.” Other names include the “hug hormone” or the “cuddle hormone.”...
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Dogs can have a real impact on the treatment and recovery from post traumatic stress disorder; here are just some of the ways: Dogs can alert owners to stress. Psychiatric service dogs can be trained for a variety of brain-based disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD and autism. Some animals can also alert...
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Stress can hit harder when you also deal with bipolar disorder; here are seven ways to cope: #1 Do something relaxing Take a luxurious and long bath; or, get lost in an activity that is mindless i.e. coloring, listening to soothing music, or watching a comedy special. The point is to do something that is...
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The world demands we multitask, but the added frustration and stress can cause some bipolar disorder symptoms to rear their ugly heads. In the early part of the millennium, multitasking was all the rage. It practically became a badge of honor to tell people how well you could multitask. “I can cook dinner while talking...
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Surrendering our ego, accepting we are not in control and practicing humility will help with easing bipolar anxiety It’s hard for me to ask for help. So hard that it almost never happens, at least not until it’s too late and I’m seething with anger or overwhelmed from exhaustion. Usually my reluctance to ask for...
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