Today we will be looking at hypersexuality, one of the lesser-known symptoms of bipolar disorder. Below, we will delve into why hypersexuality occurs, how it affects your decision-making, and what coping strategies you can use to avoid conflict.
Hypersexuality is an exaggerated fixation on sexual acts, including fantasy, pornography, and intercourse. While this can be a disorder on its own (called sexual addiction), hypersexuality is also a symptom for a number of individuals with bipolar disorder. It regularly appears during manic episodes when individuals have a difficult time inhibiting their desires. Since manic individuals are constantly seeking new thrills, they may experience an increased libido and participate in sexual interactions that they would not normally agree to. Because hypersexuality is a symptom of mania, this behavior almost always occurs in waves, which can become more severe over time if left untreated. Depending on the length of the episode, bouts of hypersexual behavior can range from a week to several months.
For many people, hypersexuality can be both embarrassing and destructive. Risky sexual behavior can ruin marriages, jobs, and even friendships. It can also motivate ill-informed sexual encounters that place the individual at risk for sexually transmitted diseases or physical harm. This is especially dangerous in conjunction with online dating apps, which offer easy access to thousands of strangers. Hypersexuality blurs the line between appropriate and inappropriate, so it often feels like there is little you can do to stop these overwhelming urges.
Luckily, there are coping strategies that will limit the damage hypersexuality can do to your life. An effective way to reduce the impact of the condition is by actively addressing the source of the manic behavior. Because hypersexuality is a symptom (not a disease, in this case), tackle the underlying problem instead of concentrating on the behavior itself. Establish a thorough self-care regimen, consult a health care professional, and regularly take specified medications to minimize cycling and mood swings. As you experience less bipolar symptoms, these uncontrollable urges may become more manageable.
You might be tempted to keep this humiliating condition a secret, but hiding will only make matters worse. Hypersexuality is a symptom for millions of bipolar people, so you are not alone. In fact, communication is the key to successfully living with hypersexuality. This is especially important for individuals in committed relationships, because the individual with hypersexuality often has no intention to betray their partner. Instead of waiting to make a mistake, be communicative about your illness, explain how it can affect you, and address possible issues.
If you have tried these strategies and are still experiencing severe symptoms, seek help from a local Spokane health care professional. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.
