#45: Anger is an Understandable Response in Bipolar (But Exercise Caution)
Jan 30, 2020
FROM THIS SHOW…
Have you ever noticed the incidence of conflict rises when you’re in bipolar mood swings? Have you spoken words in the heat of the moment, only to feel terrible later that you cannot get them back? Maybe you’ve even wondered, “How the heck can I be a good person when all this anger is inside me!?”
If so, you’re right where this illness puts people—as the volatile and emotional member of the family. It’s not like you want to be a “lit match”. You just get triggered and there’s no holding back at that point. But thankfully it doesn’t have to be this way forever.
Today’s episode of The Bipolar Now Podcast features a Listener story about this ongoing nightmare of anger, and a way to head towards healing from the damage. Because a life filled with strife and sensitivity can be filled with better things, but it’s up to us to make room.
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Listen to the podcast:
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TAKEAWAYS
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The point of gaining mental health is to set standards for yourself when you’re well so that you can defend them when you’re not.
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Mental illness can be triggered by invisible biochemical processes or situational circumstances.
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There’s a cycle to anger and rage, and once you see it you can move through those emotions quickly and get on to what matters most—healing from it.
Lifer Discussion Guide
Use the questions in today’s Lifer guide to help you look for the sources of your anger and frustration. “Lifers” are special people who have the kind of faithfulness to you that assures you they’ll be there when called upon. If you haven’t nominated a Lifer as part of your non-medical support team, what are you waiting for? :-)
The Questions:
1) When in your childhood or young adult life can you remember getting really mad? / What were you reacting to?
2) When was the last time you got angry and did something about it?
3) What upsetting circumstances are surrounding you or filling you with anger right now?
4) How do you interpret what Mike said about having less room for anger? / What’s preventing you from making less room for anger?
Join the Tribe!
Once you’ve had a chance to talk or journal about these things you might have a question from this episode. If so, make sure you head on over to The Bipolar Now Podcast Network on Facebook! There’s quite a few people over there who are also taking a new step in their mental health. And we’d love for you to share your story with us when you’re ready. So don’t miss out!
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