Positive psychological traits of spirituality, empathy, creativity, realism, and resilience are frequently observed in bipolar individuals [239].
Some individuals with bipolar see a link between their diagnosis and their high achievement—sometimes as a result of hypomania's enhanced energy and creativity levels and sometimes because of the degree of focus and self-management required to address symptoms and prevent or cope with mood swings.
Bipolar, he says, is both a blessing and curse. "It's mostly a gift, and sometimes it's more a curse to your family because they've got to live with it," he says. The blessing, Mr Higgins says, is that many of those living with bipolar disorder see life in far more colourful terms.
People with bipolar disorder can live a good life, be happy and be successful—just like anybody else. In fact, you might be surprised to find out that some of the greatest and most creative minds have had bipolar disorder. Some of their greatest work has been done during their darkest times.
[1] It makes sense considering that when people became manic, they had more energy to use, and more ideas racing through their minds, leading to creativity. Jimi Hendrix, arguably one of the greatest rock and roll guitarists of all time, was said to be a genius in his own right. He wrote the song “Manic-Depression.”
They found that 12 risk genes for bipolar disorder were also linked to intelligence. In 75 % of these genes, bipolar disorder risk was associated with higher intelligence. In schizophrenia, there was also a genetic overlap with intelligence, but a higher proportion of the genes was associated with cognitive impairment.
The relationship between high IQ and bipolar disorder isn't causative. “But the genes that cause bipolar disorder and the genes that cause high intelligence may in some cases go together,” says Tohen.
Arguments with your spouse, chilly weather, grief — a number of scenarios may provoke bipolar mania or depression. Certain medications, seasonal changes, and alcohol could trigger bipolar mood episodes, experts say. Here's why. Bipolar disorder is characterized by unusual shifts in mood and energy.
No two people with bipolar disorder share the same thoughts or experiences, but there are some common thought patterns among most folks who have it. This includes cyclical thinking, manic and/or depressive episodes, suicidal ideation, and psychosis.
When you first get diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the idea that you can be happy and live a good life may seem out of reach. It is not easy and it takes time –but it is possible. Here are three ways to start living a better life with bipolar disorder.
Conditions That Can Co-Occur With Bipolar Disorder
For example, someone having psychotic symptoms during a depressive episode may falsely believe they are financially ruined, while someone having psychotic symptoms during a manic episode may falsely believe they are famous or have special powers.
A Cycle of Anxiety and Spending. Research has found that bipolar disorder often causes financial difficulties. For example, one study published in 2018 in the Journal of Mental Health uncovered a vicious cycle of poor mental health and compulsive buying.
Does bipolar disorder affect intelligence? No, bipolar disorder doesn't seem to impact your intelligence, but it can affect some aspects of your cognition. As the table above explains, there's a difference between cognition and intelligence. They're related, though.
Bipolar disorder can cause a lack of empathy, but symptoms may also make it more challenging to focus on the feelings of others. While there is no medication to improve empathy, treating bipolar disorder can help. Introspection, guided emotional learning, and observing emotions in others may also help build empathy.
This can be a daunting process but knowledge is power and definite skills can be learned that will help the person with the challenges that may arise. Bipolar can cause overthinking and overthinking combined with depression and increased sensitivity can be very challenging.
A “bipolar meltdown” is, much like “bipolar anger,” a very stigmatizing phrase, and not something that really exists. The phrase “bipolar meltdown” could refer to a bipolar person having a manic episode or being in a depressed state.
Manipulation isn't a formal symptom of bipolar disorder, although some people with the condition may exhibit this behavior. In some cases, manipulative behavior is a result of living with another mental health condition, such as personality disorders, substance use disorders, or trauma.
It negatively impacts friendships and romantic relationships. Ghosting is done by many of us living with bipolar disorder, especially during bipolar depressive episodes.
Once we are stabilized to reach functional recovery of our most debilitating symptoms, bipolar disorder serves us by making us more social, ambitious, creative, and recognition seeking. These qualities apply to my personality, they shaped me and benefited me in my personal and professional life.
But annoying segues to alarming when intrusive thoughts, worries, or even enthusiasms turn obsessive. For at least a fifth of people who live with bipolar disorder, that scenario happens all too often. And when it does, the consequences can be troublesome.