Do you know your triggers? Have you ever been somewhere and suddenly felt a change in your attitude, your disposition or perspective on things? Were you able to identify what it was that caused the change? What was the trigger to your mood change that caused you to get angry, sad, upset; or even happy, elated or jubilant? Being able to identify the cause of the change is the key!

    It happens to me all of the time. If I can catch or identify the cause of the change, and perhaps stop the shift or at least alter it a little, especially when I feel things going in the wrong direction, things can go much better for me. I call this my bipolar alert / warning system or alarm. I don’t always catch it, but I get better with time.

    Paying attention allows me better control of my emotions, feelings and the possible actions I may take, or not take, due to this disorder’s influence. It can often help me to refrain from possible dangerous activities or making harsh and hurtful comments to other people.

    If you try to be aware of your ever-changing environments and moods; you will realize that you can perceive an upcoming or already manifested change in your mood. This way we can stay away from the potential negative effects of our bipolar behaviors or attitudes.

    Has this ever happened to you?