Feeling frustrated and need some space from your bipolar partner or friend?
Living with someone who has bipolar disorder requires patience, understanding, and consistent support.
However, when these individuals face rejection or feel ignored, the impact can be intense.
The decision to distance yourself from someone with bipolar disorder – intentionally or unintentionally – can trigger complex emotional responses and behavioral changes.
Let’s explore the psychological and emotional consequences of ignoring someone with bipolar disorder.
What is Bipolar Disorder & It’s Types
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that affects emotions, energy, and daily functioning.
It causes extreme mood swings, including periods of mania or hypomania (elevated mood, high energy, and racing thoughts) and deep depression (feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities).
Here are three major different types of Bipolar Disorder:
| Type of Bipolar Disorder | Description |
|---|---|
| Bipolar I | It involves manic episodes lasting at least 7 days or requiring hospital care. Depressive episodes last at least 2 weeks. |
| Bipolar II | Characterized by depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but no full-blown manic episodes. |
| Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia) | It involves periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms lasting at least 2 years (1 year for children/adolescents), but symptoms don’t meet full diagnostic criteria for either episode. |
What Happens When You Ignore a Bipolar Person
Below are some of the major consequences of ignoring a person with Bipolar Disorder:
1. Worsening of Symptoms
- Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings. Ignoring the symptoms or refusing to provide support during manic or depressive episodes can lead to longer and more severe episodes.
- For instance, without intervention, untreated depression can worsen, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Lack of support can make it manage symptoms.
2. Strained Relationships
- Bipolar disorder can affect relationships. Ignoring the condition or failing to offer support can lead to misunderstandings and emotional distance.
- A person with bipolar disorder may feel abandoned, rejected, or unimportant. This can cause feelings of isolation and resentment, potentially causing relationships to break down.
3. Risk of Substance Abuse
- People with bipolar disorder may turn to alcohol or drugs as a form of self-medication during periods of emotional instability.
- Substance abuse not only increases bipolar symptoms but can also lead to other serious health issues, complicating the treatment and the disorder.
4. Increased Risk of Suicide
- Ignored bipolar disorder, especially during depressive episodes, raises the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- Ignoring the signs of depression or mania can be life-threatening, as the person may not reach out for help if they feel abandoned or misunderstood.
5. Decline in Overall Mental Health
- A lack of attention and understanding can lead to a person with bipolar disorder developing issues such as anxiety, depression, or even personality disorders.
- Feelings of neglect can lead to deepening emotional distress, creating a negative cycle that affects both mental and physical health.
6. Impaired Functioning in Daily Life
- Bipolar disorder affects the ability to function in daily life, especially in work, school, and personal responsibilities. Ignoring the need for treatment or support can impair the individual’s ability to perform normal tasks.
- Without intervention, these difficulties can snowball, affecting the person’s self-esteem and sense of purpose.
Major Causes of Bipolar Disorder One Should Know
Bipolar disorder stems from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, brain chemistry imbalances, environmental stressors, and traumatic life events.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Genetics (Hereditary Factors) | Bipolar disorder can run in families, suggesting a genetic link. There is a higher risk if a parent or sibling has it. |
| Brain Structure and Function | Abnormalities in certain brain regions may contribute to bipolar disorder. |
| Environmental Factors | Stressful life events (trauma, abuse, death of a loved one, or life changes) can trigger or worsen episodes. |
| Substance Abuse | Drug or alcohol abuse, including alcohol, cocaine, and amphetamines, can trigger or worsen episodes. |
Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder vary from person to person and depend on how intense these symptoms are:
Depressive Episode Symptoms
- Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
- Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns (either too much or too little)
- Complete loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Physical and mental fatigue, even with simple tasks
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details
- Thoughts of death or suicide in severe cases
Mixed Episode Symptoms
- Simultaneous experience of both manic and depressive symptoms
- Agitation combined with depressed mood
- High energy levels alongside feelings of hopelessness
- Racing thoughts with suicidal ideation
- Trouble sleeping but feel physically exhausted
Early Warning Signs
- Changes in sleep patterns before full episodes develop
- Subtle shifts in energy levels and sociability
- Increased sensitivity to light and sound
- Changes in appetite or eating patterns
- Mild mood swings that gradually intensify
- Difficulty maintaining regular routines
How to Set Boundaries with a Bipolar Person
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Understand Bipolar Disorder: Gain knowledge of the condition to set realistic expectations. Recognize that mood swings (mania and depression) can affect behavior and communication.
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Communicate Clearly: Express your boundaries calmly and specifically. Use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory, e.g., “I need space when you’re feeling overwhelmed.”
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Be Consistent: Reinforce boundaries consistently, even if they are challenged during manic or depressive episodes. Consistency helps provide stability.
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Be Compassionate and Non-Judgmental: Acknowledge their struggles without being dismissive. Show empathy while still holding firm on your boundaries.
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Involve Them in Setting Boundaries: Whenever possible, include the individual in discussions about boundaries. This fosters respect and mutual understanding.
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Respect Emotional Limits: Know when to step back to protect your own well-being. Prioritize self-care to avoid emotional burnout.
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Encourage Professional Support: Support treatment plans and encourage therapy or medication, which can help stabilize mood swings and facilitate healthier interactions.
Conclusion
Ignoring someone with bipolar disorder can have intense consequences that extend beyond temporary emotional distress.
While maintaining boundaries is important, complete withdrawal can trigger severe episodes and potentially bad outcomes.
However, the key here lies in finding a balance between protecting your own mental health and providing appropriate support.
Remember that you’re not responsible for managing someone else’s mental health, even if your actions can significantly impact their stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Bipolar People Try to Control You?
People with bipolar disorder don’t try to control others. Their manipulative behavior is linked to their symptoms and need for support rather than power dynamics.
Do Bipolar People Push People Away?
People with bipolar disorder may push others away through intense emotions or withdrawal – often unintentionally and later regretting these actions.
When to Leave Someone with Bipolar?
Leave if the relationship becomes emotionally or physically unsafe or their behavior severely impacts your mental health despite setting healthy boundaries.
