do bipolars regret things that they do when they are manic?

Question

bipolars when manic are known to act out, become overly promiscuous, and do things that are hard to understand from an outer perspective. a manic stage i read can last for about 4 months on average, however when they go back to a regular, or even depressive stage, do they usually regret their behavior or things that they have done when they were manic. if so, do they usually regret immediately after the fact of doing them, or will they only regret things once they are no longer manic?

Answer 1

I have been bipolar for 35+ years during that time I have pretty much covered everything you're talking about. Initially I would beat myself up about it but I have learned over time that its part of my illness. I do things without the ability to control what I am doing, I have had people say that its a a cop-out to say I cant control it which would add to my burden, then again they have never experienced what I have so I have learned to tolerate people ignorant of what I go through because I know in my heart that the only person I am hurting is myself. So to then add the burden of guilt and regret on top of it when its part of my illness which I have no control over is stupid and can push me to the brink of suicide so now when I come out of the phase I am thankful its over, rectify the damage as best as possible and move on. I take my meds and do the best I can with the life I have, and when I am not manic I work doubly hard to help, support and care for those around me.

Answer 2

Bipolar Regret

Answer 3

I think it is almost standard to regret things from mania. Here is why I think this...
someone who is NOT bipolar (example, just a total idiot) does so regularly, not as an episode. They have some degree of control.
The real criteria when bipolar is that they DO NOT have full control of what they do, it is a symptom of the illness.
My daughter carries many regrets. While unstable, she doesn't have a clue that she is doing anything wrong, it is ALWAYS someone else's fault.
And I really do disagree with so called "averages" for an episode. Every one is different in terms of length of cycling.

Answer 4

I can only tell you what I have experienced with my ex wife and my oldest daughter...the reason they become depressed is they regret the crap they do when they are in their 'manic' state. However, my ex wife did not regret the things she did to destroy our marriage, and I feel sorry for her current husband.

Answer 5

I've regreted most things. Immediately after I've done them. And then even more so once the phase is over.

Answer 6

im bipolar and i had my first manic attack about 13 months ago and do not even remember what i did . i understand though my husband and friends i did really out of ordinary things and did not even know who i was.

Answer 7

I am bipolar and at times I do regret things but I'm who I am and can not change that...Thereby, alot of times I don't regret things I may say or do.

Answer 8

It works both ways. The things you say and do when on the depressive end of the disorder can end friendships and drive away lovers. Even family members may avoid you becuase of the harsh things depression leads you to say. You end up pushing people away when you need them the most and thereby drive yourself even deeper into the depression end of the cycle.

Answer 9

Yes they can sometimes, I was friends with one once and she would be embarrassed if she over talked or got excited and acted strangely, she would show this when she got depressed and started saying things like "Oh I really did not mean that or "That was stupid I am such a freak." or so and such.

Answer 10

no, I have learned that my manic episodes are mistakes. I learn from mistakes and if you try hard enough you can take these errors in your cycle and put them into a creative venture.