Ways Bipolar Disorder Can Lead to Self-Isolation

Bipolar disorder can be isolating for a number of reasons. Whether due to personal fears, feelings of shame, or depressive and manic behaviors, people with this condition regularly self-isolate or feel a separation from others.

But despite the challenges that can arise, you are not alone on your journey toward a brighter future. Support is available from loved ones, peers, and professionals alike—on your good days and on your harder ones, too. 

If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, it can be helpful to understand common reasons for self-isolation and how to foster healthy relationships throughout mood changes. 

About Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by drastic mood swings. High mood episodes are described as mania (more severe) or hypomania (less severe), while low mood periods are classified as depressive episodes.

During manic episodes, people tend to feel happy, energetic, excited, or even irritable at times. Behavior can be more unpredictable, as the mood swing can make it more difficult to think clearly. It is common for people in manic episodes to act impulsively or recklessly at times. Mania can also affect your sleep, focus, energy levels, and habits.

In depressive episodes, it is normal to feel tired, sad, and hopeless. You might not feel the same interest in things that you normally love, and your sense of self-worth may be lower as well. This can affect your sleep, focus, energy levels, and habits as well, but often in opposite ways. 

Bipolar disorder can recur constantly or manifest in unpredictable episodes; thus, it is not always easy to tell when a mood shift will happen or how long it will last. Additionally, episodes can be mixed, meaning that someone can experience both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. 

The Different Types of Bipolar Disorder

There are several main types of bipolar disorder. Though they share some overlap, each has its own distinct features.

These include:

• Bipolar I Disorder: If you’ve experienced one or more manic episodes before or after a hypomanic or a major depressive episode, this is known as Bipolar I. In some cases, it can lead to psychosis, which is a break from reality. 
• Bipolar II Disorder: If you have never had a manic episode, but you have had one or more major depressive episodes and one or more hypomanic episodes, this indicates Bipolar II.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: This describes periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that are not as severe as major depression. For a diagnosis, children and teenagers must have symptoms for one year or more, while adults must have symptoms for two years or more. 
• Other kinds: Other types refer to bipolar and related disorders that have been caused by substance use or a medical condition.

Why Self-Isolation Happens

Bipolar mood swings can be difficult to navigate, and they might be hard for loved ones to understand at first, especially if they don’t know what you’re experiencing. Consequently, many people tend to pull away from others when symptoms reach their peak. 

You might find that a manic or depressive episode causes you to act in ways that affect your relationships. Lashing out, retreating emotionally, feeling embarrassed, feeling exhausted, or worrying about how you will be perceived are just a few common behaviors that can happen with bipolar disorder.

It is not common for people to isolate due to one of the following reasons:

• A fear of being misunderstood 
• A fear of being a burden
• Conflict with a loved one 
• Depressive or manic behaviors
• Feelings of guilt or shame 
• Self-protection 

Staying Connected

Communication with loved ones is key during manic or depressive episodes. If your energy levels are down on a low-mood day, a short text or a few words letting a loved one know how you’re doing can go a long way and help them to understand and better support you. 

Or, if you find yourself experiencing more conflict with others during a manic episode, it’s best to take a step back and acknowledge the root of your frustrations when you can in order to make amends.

The right people will take the time to get to know you and learn how they can help throughout manic or depressive episodes, and they’ll understand when you have harder days. 

As you get to know yourself and your needs better, you’ll be able to recognize when it’s better to spend time with people and when you need some alone time. But by continuing to communicate with others, even in the smallest ways, you let them in and prevent yourself from self-isolating.

It can also be helpful to make friends in online or in-person support groups. This way, you can talk to people who understand exactly what you’re going through.

Local Bipolar Services 

At Jackson House, our mental health services are designed for your individual success. We understand the challenges that bipolar disorder can present, and our compassionate team is here to support you as you work toward long-term solutions for symptom management.  

Through therapy, medication management, peer support, and more, our program can help you develop the coping skills you need to carry you through mood changes and navigate relationships in a healthy way. 

Our team also strongly believes in the power of community. From talking to a trained professional to sharing in group sessions, we want every client to know that they’re not alone in what they’re going through. 

Though bipolar disorder can be isolating, there is a community of people out there who would love to be there for you on your healing journey. Contact Jackson House today for more information on our bipolar treatment.