I've noticed my friend is high and then low really fast sometimes and he has a long history of manipulation. I was wondering whether or not he might be bipolar but don't want to get too involved in asking doctors and such about it just yet.
2006-08-24 05:29:10 · 16 answers · asked by Lissa 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Manipulation has nothing to do with being bipolar. But her severe mood swings is a big sign. Of course she's had to see someone before that can be determined. Some people are just moody.
2006-08-24 05:31:58 · answer #1 · answered by teeniey37 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bipolar disorder is unique with each individual who suffers. If the person displaying these characteristics is generally a manipulitive person, then this will only enhance those tendencies. One of the main manifestations of bipolar disorder is an exaggeration or mania of emotions... in other words they feel emotions at a more intense level than most... being happy=total elation, being sad=desperate depression...etc. The most common symptom is quick, multiple mood swings. Living with and loving a person who has this disorder is a challenge, with medication it can be curbed to an extent, but mostly therapy and self awareness are the only tried and true treatment methods that warrant the best end results. If you truly think your friend is exhibiting bipolar symptoms, then approach the subject carefully.... or speak with his family and friends and maybe form an intervention group. In the end he has to be the one to seek help, I wish you all the best. Shalom.
2006-08-24 05:43:53 · answer #2 · answered by julianna76301 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if they do it more than people without bipolar, but it does seem to be a common behavior problem with bipolar people. (Of course, the high-to-low thing is the most obvious sign.) I'm no shrink, but I grew up with a bipolar parent (scary), my ex-hubby's first wife is bipolar (even scarier), and I had a sort-of boss with the same affliction. It was strange; they all acted an awful lot alike. Attempted manipulation is a big one. I say attempted because they really tend to suck at it, in my opinion. And they're lousy liars.
2006-08-24 05:43:19 · answer #3 · answered by cloudy5767 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not necessarily. there's another disorder called borderline personality disorder that might be a little closer to what you're noticing in your friend.
conscious manipulation is not an indicator of bipolar disorder, nor is bipolar disorder an indicator of a manipulative personality.
and i have to say the questions i've seen lately about ridiculous generalizations on bipolar people really bother me. i'm bipolar, and while i have had some really lousy days, my husband married me because i don't play head games.
then again, maybe it's a good opportunity to educate people about the inadequacy of their own assumptions. just a thought.
2006-08-24 05:52:29 · answer #4 · answered by kwanyin_mama 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The mood swings point to bipolar, but that has NOTHING to do with manipulation.
Just because a person has a mental disorder doesn't mean that they manipulate things, or are a bad person. They just don't know how to deal with stress and other emotions the same way.
2006-08-24 05:35:22 · answer #5 · answered by batmantis1999 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My boyfriend is diagnosed as bipolar mostly manic.
I want to tell you that this is not about you. Its very hard to be in any type of relationship with a bipolar person and even though you might at times feel like you want to give up on them they have no idea at the moment of what they are doing or saying. You have to stay strong and mantain your own STRONG convictions so you can HELP them. Its not about manipulating anybody, its about helping them. Just stay strong.
2006-08-24 06:21:50 · answer #6 · answered by jeniel17 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my experience bipolar people generally shift from terribly low self esteem too mild euphoria. They can be moody and defensive much of the time. I've often noted that bipolar people trend to be a bit evasive and isolated. You then can sometimes see flashes of anger or over emotion to the "positive". I don't see a strong tie of bipolar to manipulative behavior. Generally speaking I've struggled with manipulation from people with character disorders. These folks can suffer from depression as much as any other disorder, but the behavior of denial and placing blame on outside factors (people, work, society) are Strong in those folks. Denial and externalizing your issues can very often go hand in hand with manipulative behavior. Bipolar folks often spend as much time seeing themselves as the root of all their problems than not.
2006-08-24 05:52:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
ScooterJ and Kanyin_mama hit the nail on the head. Your friend sounds more like borderline personality disorder (a character disorder) than bipolar. Just my humble opinion.
2006-08-24 10:37:55 · answer #8 · answered by sandyeggogrrrl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes,people I know with symptoms as such usually are bipolar.
2006-08-24 06:02:06 · answer #9 · answered by Carol T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they do and their mood can change in an instant! If you find yourself having to walk on eggs to have a conversation with the friend, then it's likely they have some sort of disorder. Suggest help for them. They will probably resist. In that case, I would advise you to disassociate yourself with this person until they do get help. Otherwise, you'll be hurting yourself.
2006-08-24 06:23:56 · answer #10 · answered by Sassy OLD Broad 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋