How A Person With Bipolar Thinks?

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Among the many psychological disorders, bipolar is considered one of the most confusing. In this case, a person may have episodes of both a sudden change to extremely low emotions and a jump to a very high emotional state. In this case, a person can fountain ideas, not feel physical fatigue, and radiate energy in the peak or on the contrary slip into depression. 

Undoubtedly, such people will feel better after bipolar disorder supportive therapy in appropriate institutions. But the support of loved ones is no less important. And to support such a person you need to understand how he or she thinks at the peak moments. Let’s analyze them in more detail.

What phases are there in people with bipolar disorder

Before trying to understand what is inside the mind of someone with bipolar it is necessary to study the phases in which they change dramatically. There are two of them: manic and depressive. 

These stages are quite different from each other. During mania, people experience euphoria, excessive energy, and impaired ability to adequately evaluate their actions. In the case of depression then they are very sad, behave lethargically, and are not interested even in what their attention is usually drawn to. 

At each of the stages, a person behaves differently. Therefore, his thoughts are different. To better understand their condition, it is worthwhile to understand how they think at each of these stages.

Thoughts in the manic phase

Looking at bipolar cognitive function during episodes it is worth paying attention to the manic phase. Here, a person generates thoughts faster than he or she can realize them. As a result, he begins to perform actions that he has not done before. As a result, difficulties with impulse control become apparent. 

The start of the manic stage is indicated by such things as:

impulsive decisions; radiating endless energy; rapid generation of thoughts; increased activity. 

Some people confuse manic thinking with the manifestation of creative energy. But if one loses control of this stage, a person with bipolar disorder can commit acts from which there will be imminent negative consequences.

Thoughts during the depressive phase

It is also extremely important to study the impact of bipolar on decision making during the depressive phase. At this point, the person’s behavior is diametrically opposite to the previous phase. There is a huge drop in energy, lethargy, and sadness. The person seems to be sucked into a huge hole. Such mood impact on bipolar thinking affects the ability to correctly assess and perceive everything that is going on around them. It seems to them that they become helpless. 

At this point, among their thoughts are:

negative scenarios of events; lack of concentration; falling self-esteem; emotional isolation.

Depressive stages can last for weeks or months. At times like these, the person needs to be helped to realize that they are not thinking rationally and try to pull them out of that dark hole.

How to Help a Person with Bipolar Disorder

By studying the types of thinking and phases one can realize perception changes in bipolar. If you want to help them, be supportive, give them attention, and be patient. Also, do not forget about psychotherapy and strict compliance with the prescriptions of medics. Including if antidepressants are prescribed.