Mind Magazine July 2017 Mind Magazine July 2017 | Page 14

Expert advice
Mind
Q&A
Our mental health expert, Stephen Buckley,
answers more of your commonly asked questions.
Q What causes bipolar disorder?
A
No one knows the exact
causes. Lots of research has
focused on genetics and biology,
but many researchers believe
social factors also play a part
– like difficult life events or
childhood trauma.
This is because trauma in
childhood can affect your ability
to regulate your emotions.
14 Mind Magazine
You might be able to link the
start of your symptoms to a
very stressful period in your
life, such as a relationship
breakdown, money worries
or a traumatic loss.
Lower levels of stress are unlikely
to cause bipolar disorder, but
can trigger an episode of mania
or depression.