Why is my bipolar worse in the summer? For our Philadelphia-area patients at Buckingham Psychiatry, this is not an uncommon concern. If you’re wondering how seasonal changes could affect bipolar disorder, Dr. Jacob D. Buinewicz is available to explain everything you need to know about this condition and provide personalized solutions.
Let’s explore what you need to know about these disorders, along with tips to help you cope better with the symptoms of bipolar disorders for the rest of summer.
What Are Mood and Bipolar Disorders?
Mood disorders are mental health conditions that primarily affect a person’s emotional state. These types of disorders can cause feelings of constant and intense sadness, elation, and—in some cases—anger. Some people shift back and forth between each mood. There are two main groups that mood disorders fall into: depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Within each group there are subtypes.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mood and mental health condition. People who have bipolar disorders experience intense mood swings or shifts in their mood, energy levels, thinking patterns, and behavior. These types of disorders feature periods of mania or hypomania that are characterized by symptoms such as high energy, grandiosity, disturbed sleep, and recklessness, along with periods of major depression.
What Are the Best Ways to Cope with Bipolar Disorder in the Summer?
There are various factors that affect the severity or intensity of bipolar symptoms. For many individuals who have a bipolar disorder that follows a seasonal pattern, their manic episodes may be more intense during the spring and summer months. Sometimes people refer to this shift as “summer mania.” Some studies suggest that a higher number of people are hospitalized for mania during the warmer months when daylight sun exposure is highest. Although you can’t always prevent manic or hypomanic episodes, there are things you can do to lower your chances of having them in the summertime.
- Maintain a Consistent Routine
Between vacations, barbecues, short nights, and other changes in school or work schedules, it can often be difficult to stick to a predictable routine in the summer—especially as the season winds down and another shift is on the horizon. Setting and sticking to a consistent daily routine, including a regular amount of sleep, can help you maintain a stable mood.
- Get Enough Sleep
Some people find getting to sleep more difficult due to the high temperatures, travel, or other activities associated with summer. However, it’s important to continue to maintain a set schedule for sleep and engage in healthy habits that promote sleep. Sleep deprivation can trigger manic episodes.
- Don’t Schedule Too Many Activities
Although the warm weather gives us the perfect opportunity to get out, try to prioritize your normal routine and avoid packing your days with too many activities as it can cause you to feel overstimulated.
Seeking Help from Buckingham Psychiatry
If you’re seeking compassionate, comprehensive care for mood and bipolar disorders, look no further than Buckingham Psychiatry in Philadelphia. Dr. Jacob Buinewicz offers diagnosis and treatment of mood and bipolar disorders in Philadelphia to help bring more balance to his patients’ lives.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward coping with mood and bipolar disorders. Call 484-466-5560.