Ask Julie: Bipolar Anger and Irritation. Do people with bipolar disorder get snappy?

Hi Julie,

I am going to court tomorrow, and I have been a mess, shaky, anxious, and frustrated at everybody around me.  I feel like everything someone says is just irritating and worthless to me.  I don’t’ want to around anybody, but I know that is not healthy for me. I have been getting worse all week leading up to this stressful situation.  I am worried that I am going to have a full blown depression episode.  I cannot concentrate and am having trouble sleeping. I get snappy at people, even when they are trying to help and then I fell terrible!

Hi Colby,

Isn’t it amazing what stress can do to our bodies and minds… I would be stressed too. It hits us harder- that’s for sure.  It’s amazing that you are aware of your anger and frustration- this means you can keep it from ruining relationships and getting you into trouble. I was majorly irritated yesterday and even yelled at a friend- I felt terrible and then realized that is not the real me and I have to manage myself better. I suggest that you have a mantra to say the rest of the day.

I am angry because I am stressed and anxious and I have bipolar disorder. I will NOT take this out on other people. They are not the problem. I will NOT ruin relationships. I have made it through many tough things and I will make it through this. I know when the court session is over I will feel differently. I can do this and I will. Now, what do I need to do right now to feel better?

I talk to myself like this constantly- even with the stress is overwhelming. The truth is that you can’t get out of the court situation, so you might as well use it as a learning experience to see how well you can manage the anger. If I can keep myself from punching a wall- you can too!!! 🙂

Julie