Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that is often misunderstood. There are two main types of the condition: bipolar I and bipolar II. In bipolar I an individual will experience at least one manic episode, whereas with bipolar II they will experience less severe manic episodes. A common symptom or side effect of bipolar disorder is anger. This anger can manifest in many different ways, from emotional to physical outbursts. Alter behavioral health centers offer treatment for bipolar disorder and anger management for co-occurring symptoms.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Many people do not understand bipolar disorder, which contributes to the stigma surrounding it. Bipolar I and II affects over 5 million adult Americans, accounting for about 2.6% of the population over the age of 18. The average age of onset is 25, but the condition can start in childhood or as late as one’s 50’s.
Individuals with bipolar disorder experience intense mania and depression, often making it difficult to function in day to day life through social interactions, both personal and professional. With this condition, feelings and emotions are intensified, along with one’s reaction to different triggers. Feelings like excitement, stress, depression, and anger can be heightened and blown out of proportion. One of the most common treatment methods for bipolar disorder is anger management.
Anger & Bipolar Disorder
For many individuals experiencing bipolar disorder, anger can manifest as irritability or elevated aggression. A study from 2014 showed that individuals with bipolar disorder had increased verbal and physical aggression, anger, and hostility. Likewise, in 2017, research showed that of 960 study participants 62% had irritability and over 75% had agitation. Although those with bipolar disorder may not always act on their anger, they are feeling the emotion internally – causing damage to their well-being. Anger management can help those with bipolar disorder manage their feelings when medication cannot.
Signs Anger Management is Needed
If you or a loved one is struggling with excessive anger as a result of mental health, it may be time to seek out anger management treatment. Signs anger management is needed include:
- Being angry frequently – daily or multiple times a week
- Spending most of the day angry
- Having anger intensify
- Hurting yourself or others out of anger
- Being in denial over anger
This is not a comprehensive list of signs that anger management is needed, but they are the most common ones. Bipolar disorder can make the signs look different, especially throughout the highs and lows of mania and depression.
Techniques Used in Anger Management
Anger management can help an individual work through their bipolar disorder by giving them a calmer mindset at their core. The anger management treatment process uses three main techniques: identifying triggers, learning anger-diffusing strategies, and changing thought patter
Identifying triggers and learning calm responses helps an individual learn how to react in a calm, even manner. Instead of avoiding triggers, clients learn the coping mechanisms needed to react without anger.
Anger management takes that strategy development a step further and teaches clients how to diffuse their anger if it comes up. There will be times where anger cannot be avoided, but it can be managed. Anger management helps individuals build the skills they need to manage the response, practice mindfulness, and self-regulate.
Once the coping skills and self-regulation strategies are in place, one can begin changing their attitude and thought patterns. It’s hard to “reprogram” the brain with bipolar disorder, and anger management helps clients do just that. Therapists often integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy into anger management to change thoughts and beliefs related to anger.
How Bipolar Disorder & Anger Affect Others
Living with bipolar disorder and the anger and agitation that comes with it is not only challenging for the diagnosed individual, but also those around them. Navigating the highs and lows can add emotional strain on personal, romantic, and professional relationships. With anger management, friends and family can participate in the treatment process to learn how to work with their diagnosed loved one.
Get Anger Management Treatment at Any Stage
Getting help for bipolar disorder can start at any age or stage. Whether you’re inquiring for yourself or a loved one, the team at Alter behavioral health center is ready to welcome you with open arms. Although not all mental health professionals specialize in this condition, our experienced and compassionate staff are here to help.
Anger management is just one phase of treatment. It should be combined with other modalities of treatment – including medication. Common medications used in treatment are: mood stabilizers, antipsychotic medications, antidepressants, short-term benzodiazepines, or a combination of several medications. Bipolar disorder is not something that can be cured. Individuals experiencing the condition can learn to manage the symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
About Alter
Alter is a behavioral healthcare provider that specializes in evidence-based clinical treatment approaches. We provide a wide range of programs for adults and families experiencing mental health conditions including schizophrenia, depression, borderline personality disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, and more. This is done through client-centered care for a full-continuum of treatment. We serve the entire U.S. population from our revolutionary locations throughout sunny Southern California. Whether an individual needs 24/7 care or wants an outpatient program – we are there to guide every step of the journey. For more information, give us a call at (877) 613-9776 or visit our website at alterbehavioralhealth.com.
