How do you deal with triggers when you can't avoid them?

[Ephedra]

I have bipolar disorder and I know what triggers both mania and depression. If I avoid all the triggers I am fine and have been fine for the last couple of years.

I felt fine so I applied for a job and my mood has just plummeted. This is the longest I have been seriously depressed in years (10 days). I haven't even got an interview! It's such a small amount of stress to make me feel so ill.

Does anyone know how to reduce the impact of triggers?

Stress and change are the biggest ones I can't avoid and if anyone knows how to stop the first warm, sunny days of spring from making me miserable I will be forever greatful!

Anyone?

Spring is well known as one of the worst times of the year for depression and other mental problems. I know what you mean about sunny days, they make me feel melancholy and I think of my Mum who loved spring! re the job, it doesn't take much to throw you when you are feeling low. Just an unreturned smile from a stranger can do it. Nobody can avoid change, it's going to happen, but maybe seeing a therapist would help you to cope better with it. Good luck with the job. You might get an interview!

Thanks for replying SooBee!

Spring didn't affect me until last year, January was always my worst time of the year (but not anymore).

I wasn't feeling low until I applied for the job. I'm upset, annoyed, and a little bit scared that years of being mostly stable are ruined by filling in a form!

When I applied for the job I knew I could do it if given the chance but now I wonder if the stress of starting a job would make me really ill. If I get an interview I will try really hard to get the job anyway.

Good luck if you get an interview. I bet you're more capable than you think you are and it might help your mood to be more occupied too. I am starting volunteer work with the National Trust soon, it'll get me out of the house and meeting other people.

I know what you mean about January. It's my birthday month and I still hate it but we can't help when we're born!

Thanks. I'm sure I could do the job if I made it though the first few weeks.

I volunteer sometimes too but volunteering at the National Trust sounds far more interesting that what I do! Good luck.

Its a shame you hate your birthday month but January is usually horrid!

Oh shit I've got an interview!

I have bipolar as well. I had a job but it made me very unwell. I have had jobs where I have been fine previously.

Good luck with the interview! I have one tomorrow!!! I suffer from high anxiety still. I hope I stay calm at the interview.

Good luck Rambo! Mine is on Friday.

My biggest fear is that I will get a job, then get very ill again and have to quit. I don't want to feel like a failure even though I know I am not.

I tend to do ok in interviews but never get the job because there is always someone who has more experience than me.

The email I got about this interview talks about role playing and presentations which is making me anxious.

Thanks!

I got very ill in my previous job. I was sacked after two weeks sick note. I suffered and still suffer from high anxiety. I hope that if I get the job I don't get ill again.

I have to give a presentation at my Interview, too...

Do you know what your presentation is about? I don't know what mine is about or even if I will have to do one! The role I have applied for does not require me to give presentations at all. Ever.

I am going to attempt not to care/get stressed about the interview as I will be amazed if they actually employ me. I haven't worked since I was a teenager!

Good luck for your presentation and the rest of the interview. I also hope that if you get the job you stay well.

Well done for interview and very good luck with it.

Thanks SooBee.

The presentation is about me and how I would be perfect for the position. I have made the presentation. I hope it is good.

I know the interview is going to be tough. The is a panel asking for questions. I am sure if I meet all the criteria they have.

I'm sure your presentation is excellent and that you will do brilliantly!

I asked what my interview will involve and its a role play for a customer interaction and a 45 minute competency based interview. No presentation.

We can do this!