While there is no way to know whether West's behavior or comments are related to his mental health, most experts agree that people with bipolar disorder can behave erratically and may at times lose their “filter” and say or do socially inappropriate things.
Maladaptive strategies include venting, denial, substance use, behavioral disengagement, self-distraction, and self-blame.
When a person with bipolar disorder regularly exaggerates their stories, it may be that this is how they remember them. The tendency for rapid speech during a manic phase may also make a statement seem like a lie. An example of this is when the person goes on talking without reflecting.
Speech Disruptions. Speech disruptions are probably the easiest way to recognize a manic episode. A person may be described as having a "motor mouth" and be difficult or even impossible to interrupt.
Talking rapidly, sudden changes in topic, or “leaps of logic.” Having more energy than usual, especially if needing little sleep. Being intensely focused, or finding it hard to focus. Involuntary facial movements, such as twitches or mouthing.
The Actions Of Someone With Bipolar Disorder
They may think fast, act impulsively, and have a sense of grandiosity or large ego. As a result, they may lie or say things that are untrue about themselves to impress others.
A person with bipolar disorder is naturally uncooperative and rebellious. This disorder triggers violent behavior. Manic episodes are characterized by “crazy” behavior. Most people with this disorder are “hyper” much of the time.
Some people living with bipolar disorder may have difficulty completing tasks, including personal hygiene and chores. This could lead you to face cluttering, messiness, and disorganization during episodes of both mania or depression.
One of the hallmark signs of mania is impaired judgment. This causes you to participate in extremely risky or dangerous behaviors. You do things without even considering the consequences of your actions. Gambling and hypersexuality are some of the risky behaviors linked to manic episodes.
For example, the belief, I am unlovable, may be driving the conditional rule, If I am thin, then I will be loved by others, which may drive obsessive thinking about one's appearance, excessive exercise, or disordered eating habits.
Maladaptive behaviors are generally those that hinder you from adapting to or coping with situations or stressors in healthy ways. Examples can include self-isolation due to anxiety, sleeping too much due to depression, and lashing out at others when overwhelmed or angry.
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.
The fear of never being stable.
Thus this leads to a feeling of being unfit for this world — that you weren't meant for it because you can't cope with life due to something you didn't choose and can't change; that you're stuck having to explain yourself to others and even yourself.
Fear of harm, or FOH, is a syndrome sometimes seen in children with bipolar disorder. 1 This syndrome can cause separation anxiety, obsessions, trouble sleeping, overheating at night, and poorer response to treatment.
Rapid speech
Some people are naturally talkative; we all know a motormouth or Chatty Cathy. But "pressured speech" is one of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Manipulation isn't a formal symptom of bipolar disorder, although some people with the condition may exhibit this behavior. In some cases, manipulative behavior is a result of living with another mental health condition, such as personality disorders, substance use disorders, or trauma.
Grandiosity and overconfidence. Easy tearfulness, frequent sadness. Needing little sleep to feel rested. Uncharacteristic impulsive behavior.
Narcissism is not a symptom of bipolar disorder, and most people with bipolar disorder do not have narcissistic personality disorder.
Answer questions honestly. But don't argue or debate with a person during a manic episode. Avoid intense conversation. Don't take comments or behavior personally.
Poor judgement is a hallmark of bipolar disorder. It can distort our perception of relationships, needs and behaviors.
Mania and Anger
Anger is not a symptom that everyone with bipolar experiences, but it is not uncommon either. Mania in particular tends to trigger aggressive emotions and anger. The racing thoughts and high energy levels you experience can leave you feeling angry, irritable, and frustrated.
Obsessive thinking is a fairly common but rarely discussed symptom of bipolar. We look at ways you can take charge when intrusive thoughts take hold. Getting something stuck in your head—the catchy chorus of a song, a gruesome image from the news—can be annoying for anyone.
A bipolar person may avoid relationships because they don't feel good enough for other people. Sometimes these feelings come on quickly and cause those with mental health conditions to push away others in existing relationships. This can lead to social isolation.