Major life changes like a divorce are jarring for anyone, and are especially hard for those of us living with bipolar disorder. The stress that often accompanies these types of life changes can also trigger mania or depression.
Learning how to handle stress and bipolar disorder issues is a skill that you will gain with the right bipolar support and treatment. If your current emotional and mental state has led you to develop an addiction in addition to bipolar disorder, then it is critical that you reach out for help as soon as possible.
The Dangers of Stress and Bipolar Disorder during Divorce
Going through a divorce can be very stressful; no one can dispute that fact. When your divorce involves property issues, financial uncertainties, and children, your stress levels can go through the roof. Many people lean on drugs and alcohol in an effort to self-medicate their bipolar symptoms and or as a misguided method of coping with the stress.
If your addiction and mental health concerns are not treated in a healthy and productive manner, you can expect the following:
- If you do not get help for mental illness problems there is a strong possibility that you could be ruled unfit to have shared custody of your children. If your soon-to-be ex feels that your condition makes an unsuitable environment for your children then it is sure to be discussed during proceedings.
- The stress of the divorce can lead you to heavier substance abuse and a related major depressive cycle.
- Bipolar disorder and addiction can contribute to a host of financial concerns that could leave you unable to make alimony payments or support yourself.
For someone who is dealing with the stress of divorce and living with both an addiction and bipolar disorder, there is no time like right now to reach out for help to treat bipolar disorder issues and addiction issues alike.
Bipolar Disorder and Addiction Treatment
Top bipolar disorder rehab facilities offer integrated treatment help that can ensure you receive help for both your addiction and manic depression. The benefits of such treatment include the following:
- If you receive treatment for bipolar disorder alone, your addiction will remain a problem and will not go away on its own
- If you receive treatment for your addiction but fail to receive the bipolar disorder help that you need, your bipolar symptoms will continue to negatively affect your life
- Integrated treatment programs will ensure that you are treated as a whole
- Coping skills learned in treatment help you handle stress and your manic depression in a healthy manner