Bipolar Disorder: Handling the Holidays

The holidays can be a tricky for anyone. But people with bipolar disorder may anticipate November and December holidays with real dread -- and depression.

"The holidays can be very hard for people with bipolar disorder," says Raymond L. Crowel, PsyD, vice president for mental health and substance abuse services at the National Mental Health Association. You'll probably face loads of possible triggers: relatives, stress, exhaustion, and the temptation to overindulge, to name a few. Slipping into a mood swing may be much easier than usual.

So what should someone with bipolar disorder do when the holidays roll around? Be a Scrooge and opt out? Hibernate?

You don't have to do either. WebMD talked to experts about how people with bipolar disorder can weather the holidays -- with tips on avoiding depression and mood swings, planning, enjoying the season, and more.