As with many emotions, however, people with bipolar disorder appear to be more vulnerable to extreme reactions. “Everyone can become frustrated or angry, but loss of control can be part and parcel of bipolar disorder rage,” says Jeffrey Borenstein, MD, president and CEO of the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.
Experts are careful to distinguish between the odd angry outburst and the long-simmering anger and rage of bipolar anger, sometimes lasting over several days during both manic episodes and irritated states of depression.
However, many people with bipolar disorder are also highly sensitive, so the challenges that come with high sensitivity can make coping with their mental illness even more difficult, especially when stress levels become overwhelming.
Pressured speech is a common symptom of bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. It typically occurs when a person is experiencing manic episodes. During this time, a person may feel compelled to speak quickly, erratically, and without stopping.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can result in extreme shifts in mood. As this may affect how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, it may present challenges that can make it difficult to maintain friendships.
My short answer is: Yes, a person who lives with bipolar disorder can certainly be truly happy. But I think I can understand the concerns behind the question. If you have experienced disruptive or dangerous episodes of mania, you may worry that feeling happy is just a first step toward another damaging episode.
Signs of Uncontrolled Anger
What are signs that you may have chronic anger management problems, or the kind of uncontrollable anger associated with bipolar episodes? According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): You're constantly angry or annoyed and are quick to overreact.
Don't take comments or behavior personally. During periods of high energy, a person often says and does things that he or she would not usually say or do. This can include focusing on negative aspects of others. If needed, stay away from the person and avoid arguments.
These emotions have the potential to cause agitation, frustration, and general unhappiness. In order to deal with their emotional pain or to express their internal struggles, they may unintentionally lash out or say hurtful things.
You can be physically aggressive. Kicking things, slamming doors, punching walls, pushing against someone a bit too hard.
It's something we all go through, but bipolar makes this emotion far more intense. I contacted relationship expert and best-selling author Susan Winter for her take on jealousy. “Jealousy is a defensive response to feeling inferior and devalued.
Bipolar makes us feel things in extremes—and often causes us to be labeled as “too intense” or “too sensitive.”
One of the worst side effects of bipolar disorder is the repetitive cycle of self-sabotage. But you can manage this symptom by mapping out your goals.
If you have bipolar and wish to repair relationships damaged by your behavior (whether while symptomatic or not), it is vital to first recognize the other person's feelings and pain. Admitting to your actions and acknowledging the harm they caused your loved one is a good first step in the process of making amends.
On the other hand, emotional intimacy can be challenging while dating someone with bipolar disorder, because their subjective experience of the relationship and the world around them can often shift without treatment. This can be surprising because you may not be able to follow the shift in their emotional states.
If you have bipolar disorder, it doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to go on and develop a social anxiety disorder or have problems socially, but the chances are higher and social anxiety has been linked to bipolar disorder.
The relationship between high IQ and bipolar disorder isn't causative. “But the genes that cause bipolar disorder and the genes that cause high intelligence may in some cases go together,” says Tohen. Bipolar disorder is linked to a specific kind of intelligence.
No two people with bipolar disorder share the same thoughts or experiences, but there are some common thought patterns among most folks who have it. This includes cyclical thinking, manic and/or depressive episodes, suicidal ideation, and psychosis.
Bipolar disorder is a chronic, lifelong condition. However, with proper management, people with bipolar disorder can live healthy and productive lives. If you are not currently taking medication for bipolar disorder, it is important to seek professional help.
People with bipolar disorder can live a good life, be happy and be successful—just like anybody else. In fact, you might be surprised to find out that some of the greatest and most creative minds have had bipolar disorder. Some of their greatest work has been done during their darkest times.