Anger is always the symptom of a problem. A person’s beliefs, use of alcohol and other drugs, or a combination of past emotional hurts may be at the root of anger. However, some people have anger that is based in imbalances in brain chemistry, instead of emotions or drugs introduced into the body.
For those who have anger stemming from bipolar disorder, it can range from mild to wild. Often, there is no particular trigger that sets off anger. Rather, the person may simply wake up feeling angry. In other instances, the person may be sensitive to particular actions that invoke anger for the majority of people. There are some cases where a person will significantly over-react in a very angry manner to an event that the majority of people will only find as an irritation or inconvenience.
A person with bipolar disorder has a condition that is linked to chemical imbalances in the brain. The symptoms are comprised of going through cycles of depression and mania (too much energy, poor decision making, and/or racing thoughts). A significant portion of people with bipolar disorder also have moderate to high levels of anger. It is accepted that most people with bipolar disorder need medication to help correct chemical imbalances in the brain. Therapy is often very helpful because thoughts, environment, and social/family support are all very important factors in controlling bipolar symptoms. Making an appointment with a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, or primary care physician who has training in mental health is another avenue to pursue. In most cases, a person with bipolar disorder will have the most success when participating in therapy and taking medication.
There are various types of therapy and medications that have been shown to reduce bipolar disorder symptoms. Keep in mind that each person will respond to therapy and medications in different ways. A prescription that helps one person with bipolar disorder does not necessarily help the next. This also holds true for therapy. Anger management can be very beneficial for some. However, there is often the need for CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), which has a focus on changing negative or angry thoughts to positive thoughts, as well as changing behaviors that promote anger. Therapy is also useful to help the client identify strengths and members of their support system. Focusing on these strengths and supports allows the client to have additional means of coping with anger and other symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Remember that self-care needs to be a priority. This means keeping all of your therapy and doctor appointments, taking all medications as prescribed, and also being an active participant in therapy sessions. Outside of your doctor’s and therapist’s offices, it is important to make sure that you are getting out of the house and taking part in some kind of activity, whether it be interacting with family, going to social events, exercising, or participating in a hobby you enjoy. There are great community resources in most areas, such as free support groups at Mental Health America.
Buck Black offers psychotherapy for anger issues through his practice in the Lafayette Indiana area (www.BuckBlack.com) via phone, email, and office visits. He also provides anger and stress management for truckers via phone, webcam, and email at http://www.TruckerTherapy.com
Reader Comments Discuss this issue below or in our forums.
re:pushing buttons - - Nov 7th 2009
I, too would appreciate any thoughts on this topic. My husband is bipolar, and when in an angry episode will resist any and all of my attempts to quell the situation by becoming angrier and resort to insults and derogatory comments. Then gets angry because I refuse to get engaged in such conversations.
passion/anger - stuart lee - Oct 20th 2009
a lot of psychologists are viewing bipolar as a gift not an illness.we have high intellects where in states of high passion can be misconstrued as anger.i had trouble with the lows but my mood stabilisers just leave me high all the time.the link between genius and madness has always been recognised but in our society people try to maintain the pokerface and the facade of calm and control whereas under the surface they could be just as angry as a bipolar person.
Anger and pushing buttons - Observer - Oct 19th 2009
I recently spoke to an individual who had just hand an anger episode with spouse which was a shouting match. When I asked why do they react that way. One individual stated, when my buttons are pushed, I push the other person's buttons because I know it will make the person. How does the pushee diffuse the pushers efforts to evoke anger? Does anyone have a suggestion?
For those who have anger stemming from bipolar disorder, it can range from mild to wild. Often, there is no particular trigger that sets off anger. Rather, the person may simply wake up feeling angry. In other instances, the person may be sensitive to particular actions that invoke anger for the majority of people. There are some cases where a person will significantly over-react in a very angry manner to an event that the majority of people will only find as an irritation or inconvenience.
Buck Black offers psychotherapy for anger issues through his practice in the Lafayette Indiana area (www.BuckBlack.com) via phone, email, and office visits. He also provides anger and stress management for truckers via phone, webcam, and email at http://www.TruckerTherapy.com