Riding the Seasonal Rollercoaster of a Life with Bipolar II and S.A.D.
The Weather and Our Brains
It’s probably no surprise that most Americans report their favorite season is Spring. After a long winter of increasing darkness, the world finally awakens from its winter slumber, and so do our spirits. But if you're living with Bipolar II and Seasonal Affective Disorder (S.A.D.), the changing seasons can be a bittersweet experience, filled with both promise and trepidation.
If you suffer even nominally from Seasonal Affective Disorder, you know the sinking feelings a seasonal transition can bring. There’s a pit in your stomach when you think about the upcoming months. Then that pit can swell into absolute dread. The shortening days of Fall and Winter, the chill, the darkness…it can all come crashing down on your mental well- being. But for those diagnosed with Bipolar II, Seasonal Affective Disorder is more than an inconvenient truth; it can worsen Bipolar II symptoms and wreak havoc on mental health during those more dreary months.
“It's a journey, not a destination, but with the right support, you can thrive throughout every season.”
The good news: it’s treatable. Even better news: If you know it’s coming, you can start treatment preemptively. There’s lots of hope for S.A.D, and as with most mental health diagnoses, it’s all about naming the problem and seeking the right help. Emotional stability is possible, even in the depths of Winter or the height of Summer.
Bipolar II + SAD
Those who deal with Bipolar II experience shorter, less severe manic episodes than those with Bipolar I, but notably, their depressive episodes can be longer and more intense. Research shows that these sensitivities can be more acutely felt in the bleakness of winter or the long, hot days of summer, and the reasons why are clear:
Disrupted Circadian Rhythms – Those diagnosed with Bipolar II often experience disrupted circadian rhythms (which is your natural, internal process that regulates your body’s sleep-wake cycle). Regardless of the weather, disruptions to your circadian rhythm can make daily sleep routines difficult. But those challenges are remarkably heightened when seasons change and the hours of daylight are dramatically increased or decreased. Less sleep and even less REM sleep make mood swings harsher and can cause hormone imbalances.
Sunlight Sensitivity – Some research even suggests that patients with Bipolar disorder are more sensitive to sunlight, which would explain why changes in the sun’s rhythms are so intensely experienced.
Melatonin Imbalance – Melatonin is the body’s built-in natural sleep aid that helps you drift off to sleep. Those who suffer from a Winter pattern S.A.D. may produce an excess of melatonin; while those who suffer from Summer pattern S.A.D. may not produce enough.
Learning to Cope
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness, but it's important to remember that you're not alone, and there's hope for a brighter future! Effective treatments and therapies are available to help you manage both conditions and reclaim control over your life. By proactively seeking support and utilizing tools like light therapy, medication adjustments, or increased therapy sessions, you can navigate seasonal shifts with confidence and resilience. Even though bipolar disorder and S.A.D. can be distressing, knowing when you might feel worse becomes a super power when you can begin treatment early and find success before you feel worse. Remember, even amidst the darkest days or the most intense heat, finding emotional stability is possible. It's a journey, not a destination, but with the right support, you can thrive throughout every season.
If you could use some support as you manage Bipolar Disorder and/or Seasonal Affective Disorder, reach out to us. We’re always here to help!
Put It Into Practice
Do you suspect you suffer from S.A.D.?____
Get a diagnosis in between seasons, if at all possible. Form a plan of action with your therapist and jot down your ideal day at the height of when you’d normally feel low. What do you need to take the best care of yourself? Should you keep your schedule more free or add in healthy routines? Be prepared ahead of time…just like you would a natural disaster…and you’ll be more in control in the throes of the season.
Other interesting reads about how the world around us affects our mental well-being:
Verified Reliable Sources for the Content in This Article:
Bipolar II disorder has the highest prevalence of seasonal affective disorder in early‐onset mood disorders via The Anxiety and Depression Association of America