Bipolar disorder is known for causing both deep depression and manic highs. It’s the manic aspect of bipolar disorder that most people think of when they think of bipolar disorder. Mania is common and typically refers to a euphoric state of irrational happiness that can cause a person to engage in risky behavior or adopt grandiose beliefs.

But that’s not always the case. Many people with bipolar disorder do not experience any kind of elevated mood. They don’t have feelings of euphoria. Instead, when their mood shifts, they become easily angered and irritable. Some people with bipolar anger say they feel as if they’re living with rage every second of every day during an anger attack.

Within the last fifteen years, researchers have determined that attacks of anger, even rage, are much more common in people with bipolar disorder, compared to their incidence in people with major depression. About three times as many people with bipolar disorder experience anger attacks, in comparison to people with unipolar depression (major depression). Anger attacks are even more common in people with co-occurring bipolar disorder and anxiety.

Once we understand that elevated anger and a propensity for irritability are part of our disorder, we can take steps to take care of ourselves.

  1. Identify our anger triggers. Bipolar anger attacks typically have identifiable conditions that make things much worse.
  2. Learn to manage anger triggers. Visiting a therapist can help you learn to manage your anger.
  3. Take your medications regularly and exactly as prescribed. Medication for bipolar disorder only works well—or at all—if it’s taken consistently and as it’s prescribed. Taking psychiatric medication in a slipshod manner can actually make things worse.
  4. Re-direct your energy. Bipolar anger attacks rise on a wave of a lot of psychological energy. You can learn to re-direct the energy that fuels these attacks into useful activities, like exercise, hobbies, or even meditation.
  5. Social support. Clue your support system in when you’re having a challenging time. Part of good emotional self-regulation is seeking and integrating feedback from trusted people.

If you have a loved one with anger problems who also has bipolar disorder, understand that although their anger is real, its intensity and depth is greatly exaggerated by the disorder itself. Asking your loved one to talk through their anger and describe what they think is causing it is a good way to de-escalate the situation. Simply asking “How can I help?” is a great way to engage with a loved one struggling with their disorder.

If you or a loved one has been having problems with anger management, Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.