Is it bipolar behavior or is is conscious behavior?

The Bipolar Disorder Denial Dichotomy

This picture really shows what it’s like to deal with a person who has poorly managed bipolar disorder. One day they will talk- the next day they will yell. It’s no fun for the person on the receiving end. I have been there.

You try to help and they yell at you.   It’s like tip toeing around a mean animal on some days and then they are fine like a teddy bear on others. It’s part of the illness in many ways- but the person often has a lot of control in these situations and chooses not to make the steps to get better.

Bipolar is tricky.

There is definitely a form where people can’t see they are ill. Research says this is up to 50%. That’s a very high number.  These are people who honestly can’t see that their behavior is causing great harm to self and others. Medications can work wonders in these situations.

Then there is the concept of denial: such as being aware of something and yet refusing to see it as a problem.

Denial – My friend Janea says, “There is no such thing as denial, Julie. There is ignoring, lying to yourself and stubbornness, but there is no denial.”  I’m not even sure how to wrap my brain around this!

She means that when a person gets hopping mad when you mention their behavior and yet are able to hear what you have to say on other days- they are either sick or they know exactly what you’re talking about and just don’t want to deal with it. It’s much easier to make you the problem.

Also, there are many, many situations where the person is only mad and rude and abusive towards  you and then turns around and talks normally with a friend. That’s not denial. That is a choice.

So, if you love someone who is hot and cold, they can often control it much better than you think.  It may be time to hold them accountable.

Julie

PS:  Never forget that aggressive behaviors that happen only during a mood swing are usually a sign that a person is ill and not that they are in denial.

 

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