Music therapy can improve brain functioning in areas of the brain associated with emotional regulation, which could be particularly beneficial for patients with bipolar disorder. Older adults are especially likely to benefit from music therapy.
Music therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for a myriad of psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia.
R&B & Soul
“Neo soul and R&B help me relax and think about pleasurable things. Sometimes I do spiritual music or classical, it soothes and helps focus/release. When I'm super manic or angry I listen to a lot of trap music; but it's mostly neo soul/r&b that soothes the beast.” ~T.R.
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and guided imagery can be very effective at reducing stress and keeping you on an even keel. A daily relaxation practice can improve your mood and keep depression at bay. Make leisure time a priority.
Results: Triggers specifically associated with the onset of manic/hypomanic episodes included falling in love, recreational stimulant use, starting a creative project, late night partying, going on vacation and listening to loud music.
Patients with bipolar disorder might experience more complex negative emotions in response to positive music than typical adults, even when in a euthymic state, Dr. Sabine Choppin of the University of Rennes 1 (France) and colleagues reported.
The phrase “bipolar meltdown” could refer to a bipolar person having a manic episode or being in a depressed state. These conditions could cause them to lose control of their emotions and have trouble managing them.
A stressful circumstance or situation often triggers the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Examples of stressful triggers include: the breakdown of a relationship. physical, sexual or emotional abuse.
Hypersexuality can exist as a sign of bipolar disorder or on its own. Also referred to as compulsive sexual behavior or sexual addiction, hypersexuality is described as a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasies, urges, or behaviors that are difficult to control.
You may experience symptoms of depression, plus mania or hypomania at the same time. For example, you may feel very energised and impulsive, while feeling upset or tearful. Or you may feel very agitated or irritable. You may also experience highs and lows very quickly after the other, within the same day or hour.
With bipolar, it's common to experience heightened sensitivity to sound—an almost-painful reaction to noise. This is especially prominent during mood episodes—usually mania.
Many specialists suggest that mindfulness—the practice of increasing awareness of one's mood and physical state—can help bipolar patients determine whether their mood shifts are within a healthy range or not. It is important to point out massage does not have the power to “fix” bipolar disorder.
A bipolar person may avoid relationships because they don't feel good enough for other people. Sometimes these feelings come on quickly and cause those with mental health conditions to push away others in existing relationships. This can lead to social isolation.
Bipolar disorder can cause your mood to swing from an extreme high to an extreme low. Manic symptoms can include increased energy, excitement, impulsive behaviour, and agitation. Depressive symptoms can include lack of energy, feeling worthless, low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts.
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs, he says, can worsen your bipolar mood swings and lead to an increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviors. As SAMHSA notes, substance use or withdrawal can cause symptoms attributed to bipolar disorder, including agitation, anxiety, paranoia, mania, or depression.
Bad Breakups or Marriage Breakdowns
A number of people with bipolar disorder — especially those with a history of severe manic episodes — experience a breakdown in their marriages. If you're going through a divorce, working with your therapist through what is often a drawn-out and extremely stressful process can help.
People experiencing mania may exhibit risky actions, outlandish demands, violent rants, and irresponsible behavior during a manic episode. It is common for family members and loved ones to feel like they are left to face repercussions once a manic phase has passed.