Managing Bipolar Rage: Support from Clinical Social Workers
Managing Bipolar Disorder with Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Research indicates that rage can be a common symptom of bipolar disorder. If you’re living with bipolar disorder or supporting someone with this condition, coping with unexpected rage can be particularly challenging.
The emotions associated with bipolar disorder may negatively impact your social connections, mental wellbeing, and self-image. Fortunately, through telehealth therapy with ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers, you can develop tools to regulate your nervous system, increase positive experiences, and improve your long-term mental health.
Understanding bipolar disorder as a mental health condition
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) is a mental health condition causing “unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out daily tasks.” The DSM-5 categorizes bipolar disorder into four diagnoses based on the highs (mania) and lows (depression) experienced:
- Bipolar I Disorder: Manic episodes lasting at least one week that can require immediate medical attention. Similar patterns may occur during depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Characterized by depressive episodes and less severe periods of hyperactivity (hypomania).
- Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia): Presents with mild hypomanic and depressive symptoms, diagnosed after two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents.
- Related Disorders (Unspecified): Diagnosed when symptoms don’t meet the criteria for bipolar I, bipolar II, or cyclothymia.
What are the differences between mania, hypomania, and depression?
Bipolar disorder involves shifts between manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes. Manic episodes, which only present in bipolar I disorder, may include:
- Elevated mood and elation
- Excessive energy and activity
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Rapid speech
- Increased risk-taking behavior
- Delusions
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Reduced sleep needs
- Difficulty staying grounded in reality
- Grandiosity (inflated self-esteem)
Hypomanic symptoms in people with bipolar disorder
Hypomanic episodes, which may appear in all forms of this disorder, can include:
- Elevated mood
- Increased energy
- Irritability
- Enhanced motivation
- Unusual happiness
- Hyperfocus
- Racing thoughts
- Inflated self-esteem
Mania vs. hypomania
Mania typically lasts at least one week, while hypomania usually persists for just a few days. Though hypomania is generally considered less severe, it can still significantly impact an individual’s wellbeing and daily functioning.
Depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder
Depressive episodes, present in most forms of this disorder, may include:
- Persistent low mood
- Energy depletion
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulty managing personal hygiene or daily responsibilities
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Overwhelming worry
- Poor concentration
- Appetite changes
- Suicidal thoughts
- Irritability
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text 988 to talk to a crisis provider over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support. 988 also offers an online chat for those with an internet connection.
Bipolar anger and rage: Is anger a symptom of bipolar disorder?
Anger and rage can occur during both manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. However, not everyone with this disorder experiences anger during episodes, and not everyone with anger management challenges has bipolar disorder. When rage does occur, it might manifest as:
- Verbal outbursts
- Urges to damage property
- Impulses to harm oneself or others
- Anger-related crying
- Physical sensations of heat or flushing
- Environmental disorientation
- Dissociative feelings
- Perceived urgency for resolution
- Rapidly escalating anger that’s difficult to deescalate
When these emotions arise, implementing coping strategies and taking breaks from interactions can be beneficial. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers can help you develop personalized strategies to manage these symptoms through our telehealth platform, supporting healthier relationships and improved symptom management.
How to manage bipolar disorder, anger, and other symptoms
Though anger and rage can be overwhelming, various approaches can help reduce symptom severity. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers can guide you through implementing these strategies in a supportive, accessible telehealth environment:
Understand your patterns
Identifying patterns in your anger responses can help you recognize triggers and develop proactive strategies. Through video sessions with ReachLink therapists, you can explore how factors like exhaustion or hunger might contribute to emotional outbursts. By tracking your moods, you can identify high-risk times and prepare appropriate coping mechanisms.
Take mental health breaks when you’re feeling angry or sensing rage
When anger intensifies, stepping back before responding can prevent regrettable actions. During these breaks, engage in calming activities like exercise, reading, or deep breathing exercises. ReachLink therapists can help you develop personalized de-escalation techniques tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.
Keep a journal to manage bipolar disorder
Journaling provides an expressive outlet that reduces stress and promotes self-reflection. Whether you prefer writing, drawing, or creating collages, this practice offers a safe space to process emotions. Your ReachLink therapist can provide guidance on effective journaling techniques and help you interpret patterns revealed through this practice.
Attend bipolar disorder support groups for better mental health
While individual therapy is valuable, connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide unique support. ReachLink can help you locate appropriate support groups to complement your telehealth therapy sessions. These communities offer validation and practical advice from those with lived experience of bipolar disorder.
Request patience from others as you manage bipolar anger
Bipolar symptoms can strain relationships when they manifest as unpredictable mood swings or episodes of anger. Communicating openly with loved ones about your experiences and asking for their understanding can foster empathy and patience. Remember, managing bipolar anger is a process that takes time, and having a support system that acknowledges your journey can make a significant difference.
Ultimately, managing bipolar disorder—and the anger that may accompany it—requires a combination of self-awareness, coping strategies, and professional guidance. Licensed clinical social workers at ReachLink are equipped to provide personalized support tailored to your unique needs through convenient telehealth therapy. By actively engaging in treatment, tracking symptoms, and practicing the strategies discussed, many individuals find improved emotional regulation and a better quality of life.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with bipolar disorder, remember that help is available. ReachLink’s compassionate team is ready to assist you in navigating this complex condition with evidence-based interventions designed to empower and heal. Taking the first step toward consistent support could be the key to transforming rage into resilience and hope.
