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Step 1
Be aware that bipolar disorder is influenced by genetics. If your family has a history of bipolar disorder, you may be more likely to develop it. Simply having relatives with bipolar disorder in no way guarantees that you will also have it, as medical research has shown that even in sets of identical twins, one twin may develop bipolar disorder while the other does not.
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Step 2
Learn about the chemical imbalances in the brain that also seem to cause bipolar disorder. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain that send messages to different parts of our brain to control various functions. People with bipolar disorder seem to have imbalanced amounts of the neurotransmitters called dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, which help control our moods.
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Step 3
Understand that traumatic life events are often causes for bipolar disorder, specifically if the person is already at risk due to other factors such as heredity. Stressful life events, whether or good or bad, such as the death of a spouse or family member, divorce or the birth of a child, may trigger manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
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Step 4
Realize that blood flow and activity in the brains of people with bipolar disorder appears to be significantly different than in those of people with completely healthy brains. Brain imaging has been used to compare the metabolism in different areas of the brain during stabilized moods and manic episodes. In people with bipolar disorder, certain areas of their brains are shown to be much more active.
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Step 5
Recognize that drug and alcohol abuse, though not apparent causes for initially developing the condition, are considered triggers for bipolar disorder. Abuse of tranquilizers, cocaine and ecstasy may induce manic episodes or deep states of depression. Therefore someone with many risk factors for developing bipolar disorder should understand the need to be especially careful to avoid abuse of these substances.
