Irritation is a common symptom of bipolar disorder. It’s a dangerous symptom because people do not like to be around someone who is irritated. It’s hard to notice the mood swing as irritation can be a normal part of life- unlike depression and mania. Here are some basic signs of irritation:
– People are in your way and you want to push them out of the way.
– Stupid things make you mad. You can’t laugh at them or brush them off- you want to DO something about them and complain to someone about them.
– Road rage becomes obvious.
– You have no patience for what seems like inconsequential babble from others.
– You would feel better if you could kick something.
If you have any of these signs, it’s essential to recognize them and see them for what they are: symptoms of bipolar disorder. You can’t act on them. You will lose friends, jobs and possibly your license!
No kidding. This is especially a problem for young guys with bipolar. The Health Cards taught me to know my signs of irritation so that I could see what they were and not act on them. They taught me to keep my mouth shut, my hand off the horn and move away from things I want to kick.
Julie
My book Bipolar Happens has some great stories about irritation and how to manage it when the feelings show up.
This is my mother all day today, and yes I did see her the other day literally kick the cat. I wish I had somebody for supporting me – the daughter that has to share the house with her.
I Have that irritated feeling ever day of my life.Everything bugs me even the sound of someones voice.I have anxiety and take Prozac Seriquell I try to walk everyday especiall when I am in that ugly mood but nothing helps…..