Procrastination is often seen in those with bipolar disorder in both its manic and depressive states. When going through a depressive state, a person may have apathy and lack the motivation to do anything, whereas, in a manic state, the person may neglect some tasks in favour of others.
People with bipolar disorder may encounter issues in the workplace. Symptoms may make it difficult to attend work; one study shows that people with bipolar miss nearly 19 work days per year, compared to individuals without the condition, who miss around 7 days per year.
Depression is often associated with low motivation. Because of its symptoms, bipolar disorder can significantly affect how motivated you feel to reach your goals. But that doesn't mean that you can't set and accomplish goals if you live with bipolar disorder.
Procrastination's Role in Depression
Lower energy levels and difficulty motivating oneself are two common symptoms of depression as well. If someone can't muster the energy to complete a task, they may find it easier to put it off until they feel better.
From a trauma perspective, procrastination may occur when certain parts of a traumatic memory that has not been processed fully are unconsciously triggered. An individual may not be able to understand why they put things off, or have a strong emotional response to being asked to do something.
Psychologists have identified various drivers of procrastination, from low self-confidence to anxiety, a lack of structure, and, simply, an inability to motivate oneself to complete unpleasant tasks. Research has also shown that procrastination is closely linked to rumination, or becoming fixated on negative thoughts.
Procrastination is often seen in those with bipolar disorder in both its manic and depressive states. When going through a depressive state, a person may have apathy and lack the motivation to do anything, whereas, in a manic state, the person may neglect some tasks in favour of others.
A 2017 systematic review found that people may experience changes in the working memory processes of update and recall both during and between episodes of bipolar disorder. This can make it hard for people to function in work or study.
Bipolar disorder may reduce gray matter volume
Gray matter contributes in some way to every aspect of human life. A 2016 meta-analysis found a significantly lower volume of gray matter in the brains of people with bipolar disorder compared with those of people without the condition.
Grandiosity and overconfidence. Easy tearfulness, frequent sadness. Needing little sleep to feel rested. Uncharacteristic impulsive behavior.
Avoid alcohol and drugs.
They can affect how your medications work. They can also worsen bipolar disorder and trigger a mood episode. And they can make the condition harder to treat. So don't use them at all.
Don't take comments or behavior personally. During periods of high energy, a person often says and does things that he or she would not usually say or do. This can include focusing on negative aspects of others. If needed, stay away from the person and avoid arguments.
Messiness as a sign of an episode of mania
You could also experience low impulse control, which could lead to overspending in some people. Overspending may result in a lot of purchases that you may not have room for at home. In turn, this could lead to cluttering.
Bipolar can cause overthinking and overthinking combined with depression and increased sensitivity can be very challenging. When people are not mentally well they can isolate themselves. Social interaction and connection can seem impossible.
Bipolar Disorder Symptoms
There are a number of symptoms of bipolar that can make it hard for you to socialise or manage and maintain social relationships.
One of the worst side effects of bipolar disorder is the repetitive cycle of self-sabotage. But you can manage this symptom by mapping out your goals.
A person with bipolar disorder may be unaware they're in the manic phase. After the episode is over, they may be shocked at their behaviour. But at the time, they may believe other people are being negative or unhelpful. Some people with bipolar disorder have more frequent and severe episodes than others.
Individuals with bipolar disorder are prone to risk-taking behavior that is subsequently regretted.
In short: yes. Procrastination isn't a unique character flaw or a mysterious curse on your ability to manage time, but a way of coping with challenging emotions and negative moods induced by certain tasks — boredom, anxiety, insecurity, frustration, resentment, self-doubt and beyond.
While chronic procrastination is not a mental disorder, it can be a symptom of other challenges. Procrastination has been associated with numerous mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and ADHD.