Breaking Free of Anger: Hope for the Bipolar Resident

Posted 01-07-2011

Those with a loved one suffering from bipolar disorder may have experienced many episodes of anger, sometimes uncontrollable anger, directed toward them. It may seem unreasonable and unprovoked. Did you know that often a bipolar person may be using anger to cloak his or her real emotions? Anger may be a coping mechanism that helps the bipolar person relieve tension and avoid dealing with their real emotions and issues.

Angry outbursts are symptomatic of bipolar disorder and may last during a period of several days. Outbursts may occur during manic episodes and agitated states of depression. During a manic episode, mood changes can swing from irritability to euphoria to depression in as short as a half-hour.

The bipolar person may feel completely justified in his or her behavior and express anger by yelling, throwing or breaking things, and physical violence toward another person. Generally these outbursts are not premeditated and may have been triggered by something that is seemingly insignificant to others. And, unfortunately, usually those closest to the bipolar person and least deserving of this anger receive the brunt of it.

There is hope for your loved one with bipolar disorder and significant anger issues. Pasadena Villa uses the techniques of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help residents who need guidance with distress tolerance and emotional regulation to deal with daily stresses and major transitions. DBT has been demonstrated to be effective in treating mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. Pasadena Villa’s therapists and groups focus on the skills of mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness to help residents improve their relationships with themselves and others and handle their emotions honestly and appropriately.

Are you caring for a loved one with bipolar disorder or another mental illness?

The Villa Orlando and Pasadena Villa’s Smoky Mountain Lodge are adult intensive psychiatric residential treatment centers for clients with serious mental illnesses. We also provide other individualized therapy programs, step-down residential programs, and less intensive mental health services, such as Community Residential Homes, Supportive Housing, Day Treatment Programs and Life Skills training. Pasadena Villa’s Outpatient Center in Raleigh, North Carolina offers partial hospitalization (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (PHP). If you or someone you know may need mental health services, please complete our contact form or call us at 877-845-5235 for more information.