Why do People with Bipolar Disorder Say Hurtful Things?
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Can Bipolar People Say Hurtful Things
If you suffer from bipolar disorder, you already know about the unfortunate tendency to blurt out hurtful, mean comments. This disorder is often difficult to understand, so someone with bipolar saying hurtful things is just one more nuance.
Bipolar disorder is complex and mysterious, causing uncontrollable mood swings along with negative mood and affect. The impulsive and often snarky verbal attacks are not easy to manage, although there are methods to control them. Read on to learn more about bipolar disorder and how to manage thoughts and emotions.
Bipolar Disorder Basics
Bipolar disorder is a complex form of mental illness that is defined by extreme shifts in mood and energy. Because the mood swings can come without warning, having bipolar can be highly disruptive to daily functioning.
Along with the mood swings, there are changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, emotions, and behaviors. The mood episodes feature the following symptoms:
Manic phase symptoms include:
- Euphoria
- Racing thoughts and difficulty staying focused.
- Rapid speech.
- Aggressive behavior.
- Irritability or agitation.
- Decreased need for sleep.
- Impulsive behaviors.
- Risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or sexual promiscuity.
- Psychosis
Depressive phase symptoms include:
- Feeling sad, empty, and hopeless.
- Very low energy.
- Decreased activity level.
- Forgetful
- Disordered eating.
- Excessive worry.
- Trouble concentrating.
- Unable to feel joy or pleasure.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Excessive fatigue.
- Thoughts of suicide.
Different Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are four different types of bipolar disorder that share the basic features of unusual mood swings. These types include:
Bipolar I Disorder. Bipolar I is the most severe form of the disorder, defined by manic episodes that last for at least seven days or with manic symptoms so severe immediate hospital care is necessary. The depressive episodes can last two weeks or more.
Bipolar II Disorder. Bipolar II is defined by a pattern of manic and depressive episodes, but not to the degree or severity of Bipolar I.
Cyclothymic Disorder. Cyclothymic Disorder, or cyclothymia, is defined by repeated periods of manic symptoms and depressive symptoms lasting at least two years. However, the symptoms do not reach the diagnostic criteria for manic or depressive episodes.
Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar Disorders. This category includes bipolar disorder symptoms that do not fit into the above categories.
Bipolar Disorder and Saying Hurtful Things
Someone struggling with bipolar disorder may come across as a mean person. It isn’t that they are mean, the disorder just manifests in this way at times. This occurs due to a generally negative mindset that is common in bipolar disorder.
Inside, the person feels angry, frustrated, irritated, and annoyed. With those kinds of feelings running through you, it is no wonder that they find an outlet through the comments that emerge.
Living with Bipolar
Living with bipolar disorder is challenging, mostly because it is unpredictable. Sometimes the mood changes are swift, other times they linger for days. As an example, while in a manic phase, the person may feel supercharged, sharp, and inspired to conquer the world. But the next day, the depressive episode swoops into dash that energy and the dreams.
It is also hard for family members or friends to be around someone with undiagnosed, untreated bipolar disorder. Until they receive the needed medication and support, the person is very erratic and keeps loved ones off balance.
Warning Signs that Hurtful Comments are Forthcoming
Those with bipolar say the tendency to lash out with angry, nasty words can be a symptom of agitated depression or an episode with mixed features. Here are some of the bipolar warning signs that such a mood is on the horizon:
- Restlessness.
- Anger toward someone they feel has wronged them.
- Physical signs of anger, such as punching and kicking.
- Voicing anger toward a business or government agency they believe is faulty.
- An increase in cursing.
- Blaming others for how you feel.
- Being very opinionated and even aggressive about those opinions.
- Always looking for ways to prove they are right and valid in their opinions.
Methods for Managing the Impulsive Hurtful Comments
When someone with bipolar disorder is overcome with negativity it becomes ripe turf for saying hurtful things. As the feelings of annoyance begin to bubble up, you just want to blurt out your hostile thoughts to anyone around you.
There are ways to manage these impulses. First, it helps to realize that a bipolar person saying hurtful things is a symptom of an agitated downswing. It is not really meant to be a personal attack on someone they love and care about.
The person struggling with bipolar can recognize the warning signs and be proactive in controlling their comments to others. They may want to keep a journal that describes their mood state leading up to the agitated episode. This exercise increases their awareness so they can take steps to rein it in the next time.
Even though the disorder may drive you to yell, complain, or whine about everything, you can take control. Awareness is the key to taking control of your mouth. Even more helpful, though, is the guidance you can receive when working with a therapist.
Residential Treatment for Bipolar Disorder
Sometimes, bipolar disorder is severe and the symptoms are simply out of your control, even with a therapist helping you. When this is the case, you can consider a higher level of care for a more intensive approach to treatment.
A residential treatment program often is the best answer for someone with bipolar disorder saying hurtful things to loved ones. These programs are intimate, and set in an upscale private estate amid beautiful surroundings. There, you can truly work on your mental health with a team dedicated to guiding you toward wellness.
Elevation Behavioral Health Residential Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Elevation Behavioral Health is the perfect treatment setting for someone battling bipolar disorder. This luxury residential program offers upscale furnishings and amenities, and a full spectrum of evidence-based treatment modalities. To learn more about our program, please reach out to us today at (888) 561-0868.
