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How to Deal with Someone Who is Bipolar and Angry?

Here, you’ll learn how to deal with someone who is bipolar and angry, as well as how to pursue treatment for bipolar disorder.

How to Deal with Someone Who is Bipolar and Angry

Article Contents

Bipolar Disorder Overview

Bipolar disorder and anger can be interlinked. Mood swings that someone with bipolar disorder may have can cause anger and irrational behaviors. If you are wondering how to deal with someone who is bipolar and angry, this article will help you understand bipolar disorder and how to get your loved one help if they are struggling.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes mood swings. Those who struggle with bipolar disorder will have moments of emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and emotional lows (depression). Mood swings caused by bipolar disorder can cause anger, outbursts, and irrational behavior.1

The Connection Between Bipolar Disorder and Anger

If you’re trying to learn how to deal with someone who is bipolar and angry, it’s important to understand the connection between bipolar and anger. Studies have shown that irritability and mood swings associated with bipolar disorder can cause anger that may become as severe as rage. Anger associated with bipolar disorder will be worse if the condition is not being treated.2

What Is Bipolar Rage?

In some instances, people who struggle with bipolar disorder may experience severe outbursts, known as bipolar rage. Bipolar rage attacks are serious and can make the person with bipolar violent outbursts feel like they can’t control their actions. Bipolar rage triggers can include things that cause irritability, mood swings, or stressful situations.
However, bipolar rage attacks may also occur without any triggers at all. Aggressive bipolar behavior is common during bipolar rage that can be difficult to control. This is why it’s important to know how to help someone with bipolar rage.3

What are the Impacts of Bipolar Disorder and Anger?

Below are some of the many common impacts of anger in bipolar disorder. Learning the impacts of anger in bipolar disorder can help learn how to deal with a bipolar person effectively.

Substance Abuse

When learning how to deal with a bipolar person, it’s important to understand the impacts of substance abuse on someone who struggles with bipolar disorder. Substance abuse is common in those who struggle with mental illness as a form of self-medication.

Someone who struggles with bipolar disorder and anger may abuse substances to self-medicate how they feel. However, substance abuse combined with bipolar symptoms can lead to increased irritability and anger, further exacerbating symptoms and leading to aggressive bipolar behavior.

Irritability

Irritability is a common trigger of bipolar violent outbursts. Mood swings caused by bipolar disorder can lead to feelings of irritability that may cause anger to occur. It’s important to know how to calm a bipolar person during these times to prevent severe anger episodes.

Severe Sadness

When someone with bipolar disorder feels low, they will likely experience severe sadness. Severe sadness is often common after outbursts of anger occur with bipolar disorder. Those who struggle may not feel like they have control at times, leading to increased feelings of sadness and symptoms of depression.

Detachment Issues

Bipolar disorder can also cause feelings of detachment that can lead to irrational thoughts and behaviors, especially in instances of anger. It’s important to avoid arguing with a bipolar person during these times as their thoughts are already in an irrational state of mind.

Forgetfulness

Mood swings caused by bipolar disorder can also lead to forgetfulness. Having forgetfulness can be a harsh feeling for someone with bipolar disorder leading to irritability and anger in some instances.

Bipolar Anger Towards Spouse

At times, bipolar anger towards a spouse can occur. Many who struggle with untreated bipolar disorder may have relationship problems that cause tension and irritability. Bipolar anger towards a spouse can lead to situations of domestic violence occurring. Therefore, it’s important to learn how to deal with someone who is bipolar and angry and get them the necessary treatment to prevent these situations from occurring.

How to Identify Someone Having Bipolar Disorder and Anger

There are common signs that can help identify someone with bipolar disorder and unresolved anger; these will be detailed below.

Changes in Sleep Routines or Sleep Deprivation

Changes in sleep routines or sleep deprivation can lead to an increased likelihood of irritability and anger. Trouble sleeping is a common symptom when someone with bipolar is experiencing mania or hypomania and can lead to increased irritability if there is a crash or low period following the manic period.

Reprimanded at Work

If someone with bipolar disorder is reprimanded at work, it could be a sign that they experienced an episode of anger at work, or it could lead to increased irritability from being reprimanded.

Drug or Alcohol Use

Drug or alcohol use can signify someone with bipolar disorder and anger trying to self-medicate. Drug or alcohol use can also make someone with bipolar disorder more likely to have an outburst of anger.
How to Deal with Someone Who is Bipolar and Angry

How to Deal with Someone Who is Bipolar and Angry?

When learning how to deal with someone who is bipolar and angry, the most important things to keep in mind are to stay calm, communicate effectively, and avoid arguing with a bipolar person.
Arguing with a bipolar person can be harmful and lead to increased anger or outbursts. Other good ways how to deal with a bipolar person who is angry are:4
  • Hold them accountable
  • Do not give in to all demands
  • Accept their limitations
  • Protect your boundaries
  • Communicate honestly
  • Avoid triggers
  • Engage with positivity
  • Do not argue irrational ideas
  • Stay calm
  • Stay in control

Signs of Uncontrolled Anger

When learning how to deal with a bipolar person who is angry, it’s important to look out for signs of uncontrolled anger. Common signs of uncontrolled anger are:
  • Physical fights
  • Domestic violence
  • Verbal arguments
  • Property damage
  • Temper tantrums

Medical Treatment for Bipolar Disorder and Anger

There are many medical treatments available for bipolar disorder. Many medications can be prescribed that help reduce bipolar symptoms. Therapy can also be beneficial for someone who struggles with bipolar disorder.4 If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, consulting with a doctor or contacting a mental health treatment center is a good first step.

Get Help for Your Loved One Today at Iris Healing®

If your loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder and anger, Iris Healing® can help. Iris Healing® is a treatment center specializing in addiction and mental health treatment. Treatment professionals at Iris Healing® are licensed and trained to treat a variety of conditions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

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