Anger in Bipolar Disorder: Is this Real or the Episode? by Robyn Tamanaha, LMFT
First, I want to acknowledge that there are situations that would, understandably, make any individual angry. For individuals living with bipolar disorder, they may be experiencing irritability when they’re in a manic, hypomanic, or mixed episode; however, this is not always a symptom during these episodes (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition).
What happens?
If the individual is experiencing irritability, they may become angry about something that they normally wouldn’t, or they may be angrier about something because of the episode they’re currently in. To the individual, what they’re angry about calls for this level of outrage. This is a tricky situation for the individual to be in because they may not know that their episode is the driving force for their anger because they’re just in the trenches with their emotions. To the individual, this feels real and their level of anger is just. This experience can have many different types of outcomes, such as how they display their anger, or the individual may have a difficult time being in their own skin.
Things to consider:
Listen to your alarms. The physical sensations in your body are hard to ignore. Do you feel hot? Is your heart racing? Do you feel like you’re going to explode?
Pause and reflect. It can helpful to identify the source, such as reminding yourself that what you’re experiencing is the episode. By doing so, this can help stop your thoughts from escalating and ruminating about the situation that has made you angry.
Stop moving. Literally. Moving around can amp up your heart rate and hype up your emotions. Try sitting still or laying down completely so that your entire body can relax.
Deep breathe. Try the 4-5-6 deep breathing method. Inhale slowly for 4 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, and exhale slowly for 6 seconds. Do this repeatedly for 3-5 minutes.
Control the sounds. Noise can be overstimulating when an individual is in an episode, so you can try going to a quiet location. Relaxing music helps some individuals. I always recommend instrumental lofi hip hop, such as Chillhop.
You don’t have to do this alone. I specialize in treating bipolar disorder. If you are interested in receiving therapy with me, let’s schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.
I can provide in person and video therapy. My office is located in Irvine, which is near Newport Beach, Orange, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Tustin, Seal Beach, and beyond. I provide video therapy to individuals who live in California, including Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, at more. I work with OCD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and Asian American & Pacific Islanders.
Disclaimer: This information is being provided to you for educational and informational purposes only. The topics being discussed are meant as a self-help tool for you own use. It is not psychotherapy or counseling. This information is to be used based on your own judgment. If you need to speak with a professional, you should find one local to you and contact them directly.