Understanding how a person with bipolar disorder thinks can be a bit of a puzzle for those who don’t experience the condition themselves. Bipolar disorder can cause a whirlwind of thoughts, emotions, and experiences that can feel both challenging and unique.
Contrary to popular belief, a person with bipolar disorder doesn’t just experience mood swings—it’s about the constant inner dialogue that accompanies these changes. People with bipolar disorder often find themselves reflecting on things that may seem ordinary to others but carry a lot more weight in their minds.
Before we dive into how a person with bipolar disorder thinks, let’s talk a bit about what is bipolar disorder.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Bipolar Disorder
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, ranging from high-energy “manic” episodes to low-energy “depressive” episodes.
During mania, a person might feel overly excited, make impulsive decisions, or have racing thoughts. For example, they might spend a lot of money they don’t have. During depression, they could feel very sad, hopeless, or lose interest in things they usually enjoy.
They might struggle to get out of bed or feel too tired to do daily tasks. These shifts in mood can make it difficult to maintain a stable, balanced life.
Now that we have talked about what is bipolar disorder, let’s discuss how a person with bipolar disorder thinks.
How A Person With Bipolar Disorder Thinks? 10 Things That Go Through Their Mind
1. “Am I overreacting?”
One of the most frequent thoughts that cross the mind of someone suffering from bipolar disorder is whether they’re overreacting to a situation. Their emotions become so intense that after a point, they start to question themselves if they are responding too strongly to everything happening around them.
A person with bipolar disorder might worry that their reaction is out of proportion compared to how others might feel and react in the same scenario.
This constant self-doubt can be emotionally exhausting, as they try to gauge whether their feelings are valid or just a product of their bipolar symptoms.
2. “Will this mood last?”
Stability is often fleeting for someone with bipolar disorder, and this can lead to a preoccupation with how long a particular mood will last.
Whether they’re feeling on top of the world or down in the dumps, there’s always the same thought running through their mind and that’s “How long until this changes?”
They may struggle to fully enjoy the good moments because they’re worried about when the next low will hit, or they might fear that their current depression will never end. This sense of uncertainty makes it difficult for bipolar people to stay present in the moment.
3. “What do people really think of me?”
Well, social interactions can feel like a minefield for a person with bipolar disorder. They might constantly think about what you or others think about them, analyzing every word and gesture for signs of judgement.
If they are experiencing any episodes of mania, they might constantly wonder if their high energy and impulsivity are alienating their friends and close ones or is making them come across as strange.
On the other hand, during depressive episodes they may feel like a burden on others. This sense of self-consciousness can lead to them feeling alone and isolated, and this might lead to them avoiding social situations altogether to escape the anxiety of what others might be thinking.
4. “Am I making the right decision?”
Decision-making can be particularly challenging for a person with bipolar disorder. The intense mood swings can completely cloud their judgment, making it hard to trust their own choices.
They might constantly second-guess themselves, wondering if they’re making decisions based on logic or their current emotional state. This can range from small choices, like what to wear, to major life decisions, like changing jobs or ending a relationship.
The fear of making a mistake can be paralyzing, which then leads to a lot of stress, self-doubt and anxiety.
Related: Mastering Bipolar Disorder: 5 Steps to Understanding Your Bipolar Disorder Better
5. “Why can’t I just be normal?”
There’s often a deep desire for normalcy among people with bipolar disorder. They might frequently ask themselves why they can’t just experience life like everyone else, without the extreme highs and lows.
This thought can be especially strong during depressive episodes when they feel disconnected from the world around them. They may crave the stability they witness in others, wondering why it seems so out of reach for them.
This constant yearning for normalcy makes them feel frustrated after a point, and even makes them feel very sad; trying to deal with such feelings and the reality of their condition makes everything feel even tougher.
6. “How will this affect my future?”
One of the worst things about bipolar disorder is how unpredictable it is; simply thinking about the future can make you feel scared and unsure. A person with bipolar disorder might worry about how their condition will impact their career, relationships, and overall life goals.
They may fear that their mood swings will hold them back from achieving their dreams or that their mental health will deteriorate over time, to the point where there’s no coming back.
These thoughts can create a lot of anxiety, as they try to plan for a future that feels uncertain. The concern about their long-term stability often looms large in their minds, making it difficult to feel hopeful about what’s to come.
7. “Am I a burden on others?”
How a person with bipolar disorder thinks? Feeling guilty and shameful is a very common thing with people suffering from bipolar disorder, and they often wonder if they are a burden on others.
They fear that their mood swings and unpredictable nature puts emotional strain on their loved ones, causing them to question whether they’re worth the effort. This thought can be especially powerful during depressive episodes when their self-esteem is at its lowest.
The fear of being a burden can lead to them withdrawing and isolating themselves, as they try to protect the people around them from getting impacted.
8. “What if I lose control?”
A person with bipolar disorder often lives with the fear of losing control over their emotions or actions.
During episodes of mania, they constantly worry about impulsively doing something they’ll regret later, while during depressive episodes, they may fear that their sadness will overwhelm them.
This fear of losing control can be extremely scary, making it difficult for bipolar people to fully enjoy their lives.
They end up avoiding certain situations or activities because they’re afraid and unsure of how they might react. The thought of losing control can lead to a constant state of vigilance and anxiety.
9. “Why can’t I find some balance in my life?”
Finding balance in life can feel like an elusive goal for someone with bipolar disorder. They might constantly wonder how they can become a more emotionally stable person and also sustain it over time.
Despite their best efforts, the ups and downs of their condition can make it hard for them to find a middle ground. These sort of thoughts can lead to a lot of frustration, as they try different strategies to manage their symptoms, only to feel like they’re always teetering on the edge of another mood swing.
The constant pursuit of balance can feel like a never-ending challenge for anyone suffering from bipolar disorder.
Related: Managing Bipolar Disorder: 2 Psychology Backed Methods For Effective Treatment
10. “Will I ever truly feel happy?”
Happiness can sometimes feel like a distant dream for a person with bipolar disorder. Even during manic episodes, when they might feel an exaggerated sense of euphoria, there’s often an underlying fear that this happiness is fleeting or artificial.
During depressive episodes, happiness can feel completely out of reach. They may wonder if they’ll ever experience a true sense of contentment that isn’t overshadowed by the ups and downs of their condition.
This thought can be particularly disheartening, as they keep on struggling with the idea that happiness might always be just beyond their grasp.
So, how a person with bipolar disorder thinks? The mind of someone with bipolar disorder is filled with a complex array of thoughts and concerns.
These thoughts are just a glimpse into the daily mental challenges they face, and trying to offer some much-needed insight into how they navigate their emotional health and landscape.
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