Why are bipolar people so impulsive?

Question

Does anybody have any idea why bipolar individuals do things without thinking? Why do they have a higher divorce rate, ( 90%) than normal people? Why are they so sexually charged?

Answer 1

Not all of us bipolar individuals do things without thinking all of the time -- but it's true we do tend to be impulsive, especially when in a manic cycle.

Bipolar individuals who haven't been consistent about therapy and have not learned how to cope with life and their illness, those who refuse to manage their symptoms with medictions (if needed), aren't taking proper care of themselves...

when we don't take care of ourselves (bipolar or not) we tend to fail at things -- such as marriage.

Have you ever been in a really GREAT mood, and feeling as if you could conquer the world? That is the feeling one gets during manic episode, but their high energy mood level continues for a while and can be very enhanced... and they sometimes do things without stepping back to think about them first.

Not all manic episodes are destructive -- most aren't. I can get quite a lot accomplished when manic.

Mania also lends us a higher sex drive.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, us bipolars can become depressed, anxious and lethargic. I couldn't care less about sex when i'm depressed...

I have learned over the years to treat others as i would like to be treated. I have learned to stop before i act or react, and think about what i'm going to do or say. I practiced, practiced, practiced for years, and i'm strill practicing.

When i am feeling depressed or anxious, i tell my family members or partner, so they know i'm not feeling so great. That makes it easier on everyone... I think it's only fair to let others know when we aren't feeling well -- that way, they won't come to expect a lot from us, won't wonder "what's wrong?".

I've learned to communicate and talk with others. I've learned to accept the fact that i'm a "misfit" of society and will be looked upon as such. But i've become a success in my own eyes, and that is what matters.

Where are these "NORMAL" people you spoke of in your question? (***Looks around***)

Answer 2

I agree with Bugs. My friend is bi polar and when in the manic phase is unpredictable and out of control. The whole meaning of manic is that decicions are made on impulse and without any thought of real consequence. This can be very hard work as they usually require someone to look out for them during this stage. For example to coax them out of making outrageous descisions that could end in them being harmed.

This is one of the reasons that relationships are difficult to maintain. Although my friend is great fun, a live wire and outrageous to be around - to live with that 24/7 is very difficult. Not just because someone who is high or low - and rarely in between - is hard to live with. But also because 'normality' is part of what a lot of people want in a loving relationship. And what has cost her many of her meaningful relationships are the decisions she has made in her ' high' phase and usually include a incidence of sexual promiscuity. So although love is very present in the relationship - 'normal' behaviuor one expects in a intimate relationship is out the window. The bipolar person may not even know why they did what they did - it was just an impulse decision. This makes 'life long' commitment - or more importantly expecting commitment from a bipolar person - a constant question. How can you trust someone who does not know what they will do next? Its tough - for all involved.

ps i would like to point out that my friend is not medication compliant. She feels the highs and lows are part of who she is.

Answer 3

Bi-polar disorder used to be called manic-depressive. The up or manic phase is hard or impossible to control. When I'm in a manic phase I'm very impulsive and compulsive. Stupid ideas start to sound good. Common sense dwindles. Anything that feels good can create problems. Like excessive drinking or excessive sexual activity. It's like being in a car with the cruise control set at 90mph, and you can't turn it off.
The depressive phase is just the opposite. It's like being in a junker car that won't go over 25mph, but you're stuck on the freeway. No motivation for anything.

It's the mood swings that cause such a high divorce rate for bi-polar people. We can be very hard to live with. Moods can change from high to low in a matter of seconds, for no apparent reason.

Answer 4

cuz they have a mental disorder. but they are ppl too. they just have issues like everyone.