Bipolar Anger: Symptoms, Causes, & How to Cope

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by intense mood episodes of mania/hypomania or depression. Manic episodes typically include periods of abnormal happiness or irritability, while depressive episodes are marked by increased, deep sadness.²

Many people with bipolar disorder experience bipolar disorder cycles. Individuals cycle between depression and mania in different ways. There are also periods of mixed features in which one may feel particularly unstable—pulled between depression and mania. During periods of stability, one experiences a “normal” mood.³

What Is Bipolar Anger?

Bipolar anger is a symptom not commonly associated with bipolar disorder.^{4, 5, 6} However, the hallmark dramatic mood swings of bipolar disorder frequently disrupt one’s sleep, energy, thoughts, and decision-making. These symptoms can lead to increased irritability, which may progress to outbursts of rage or aggression. These outbursts may be minor or severe and can occur without any provoking stimulus. The experience is unpleasant for individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder and those in their life.

Avoiding bipolar irritability and agitation may not be as simple as talking through a situation or taking deep breaths. For example, a person with rapid cycling bipolar disorder may have compromised judgment, making it challenging to think clearly. It is common for bipolar individuals to become angrier due to this lack of control, and bipolar rage may appear to be disproportionate to the prompting stimulus, or lack thereof.

Symptoms of bipolar anger may include:

• Racing heart rate
• Tightness in the chest
• Sweating or shaking
• Clenched jaw
• Fast breathing
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Tense muscles
• Frowning or scowling
• Turning red in the face

What Does Research Say About Bipolar Anger?

While mood swings are a hallmark of bipolar disorder, anger and irritability are commonly observed symptoms, particularly during manic episodes. One study examined the occurrence of anger in diagnosed individuals and found that anger symptoms were present in 66% of participants, with higher rates observed during manic episodes than in depressive episodes.⁷

Further research explored manic rage in bipolar disorder, and findings indicated that manic anger was associated with a more severe course of the illness, increased hospitalization rates, and a higher risk of substance abuse.⁸ Additional investigations demonstrated that individuals with both bipolar disorder and anger issues experienced elevated functional impairment and suicide risk.⁹

In summary, research consistently demonstrates the commonality of anger symptoms in bipolar disorder, particularly during manic episodes. The presence of anger correlates with a more severe illness course and adverse outcomes, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing anger-related issues when treating bipolar disorder.

Do Medications for Bipolar Disorder Cause Anger?

Medications for treating bipolar disorder, such as mood stabilizers, aim to manage symptoms and stabilize the fluctuations between mania and depression. While these medications are generally effective in reducing symptoms of bipolar disorder, their impact on anger and irritability can vary among individuals.

Research suggests that mood stabilizers can help alleviate anger and irritability in bipolar disorder. Studies examining the effects of these medications indicated that participants experienced a reduction in anger after treatment with mood stabilizers, such as lithium, lamotrigine, and valproate.^{10, 11}

It is important to note that responses to medication vary, and some individuals may possibly experience side effects that result in increased irritability or anger. However, these side effects are generally not the norm. Individuals should discuss the risk of any medication with a healthcare provider.

Signs of Uncontrolled Bipolar Anger

Signs of uncontrollable bipolar anger and rage are similar to those of normal anger or diagnosable conditions such as intermittent explosive disorder (IED). There are many common warning signs that an episode of bipolar anger is nearing, which provide an opportunity to enact adaptive skills to return to a healthy baseline.

Signs of uncontrollable bipolar anger may include:

• Temper tantrums
• Being reprimanded at work
• Heated arguments
• Being avoided by friends and family
• Shouting at others
• Slapping, shoving, or pushing others
• Physical fights
• Property damage
• Threatening or assaulting people or animals

How Bipolar Anger & Rage Affect Mental Health

Bipolar anger and rage can significantly impact an individual’s mental health and relationships with others. Violent outbursts, such as physical aggression and verbal abuse, are common in individuals with bipolar disorder who experience heightened aggression. These outbursts can cause significant harm to the individual and those around them, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation.

Symptoms of bipolar anger and rage can also result in blaming others for problems and difficulties, further straining relationships and exacerbating frustration. Individuals with bipolar disorder who experience rage attacks or outbursts may be at an increased risk of self-harm and suicidal ideation.

12 Tips for Coping With Bipolar Anger

Bipolar rage is not a typical symptom of a bipolar diagnosis, but paying attention to warning signs can help people prepare and use coping skills. Coupled with bipolar disorder treatment, strategies for anger management and methods to control anger can help minimize the risk of bipolar anger episodes.

Below are 12 tips for coping with bipolar rage:

1. Be Mindful of the Warning Signs

When the warning signs of bipolar anger occur, take a step back and consider what is happening. Ask yourself, “What emotional, physical, and cognitive sensations am I experiencing,” or, “What is making me angry?” Doing so can help you develop a plan to work through a conflict or stressful situation.

2. Identify Your Triggers

Identifying potential bipolar anger and rage triggers is important when living with bipolar disorder. Write down known stressors for future reference and add new triggers to the list as they occur. This self-awareness can help you notice potential issues before they become a big problem.

3. Take a Time Out

If you begin experiencing bipolar anger symptoms, take a time-out. If rage is imminent, remove yourself from the situation. During this time-out, engage in adaptive coping skills and deep breathing. Continue to practice these skills to remain calm when you cannot take a break.

4. Harness Your Anger Into Something Productive

While anger can be a challenging symptom to manage in bipolar disorder, it is possible to harness your energy into something productive. One way to do this is by engaging in physical activity, such as exercise or sports, which can help release pent-up energy and reduce feelings of anger and frustration.

Creative activities, such as writing, painting, or music, can also be beneficial when managing bipolar anger. Creating art allows you to express and process difficult emotions healthily and constructively.

5. Stick to a Medication Regimen

Medication is a necessary component of treatment for bipolar disorder, and not taking them as scheduled may aggravate bipolar cycles. Discontinuing your medication when symptoms go away is a common mistake because this alleviation signals that your medications are working.

Most individuals with bipolar disorder take medication throughout their lives, but the type and dosage may fluctuate depending on their symptoms. Medication should be combined with talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for bipolar disorder, to maximize effectiveness.

6. Seek Therapy

Seeking therapy can be an effective way to cope with bipolar anger. A therapist can help individuals with bipolar disorder develop coping strategies and tools to manage manic rage or anger. Additionally, therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to explore and process difficult emotions, which can help reduce the risk of a bipolar meltdown.

7. Boost Your Support Network

Reaching out to friends and family for support, joining a support group, or connecting with a mental health professional can make a monumental difference in your life. A strong support system can provide stability and help you feel less alone in your struggles with bipolar and anger.

8. Start a Mindfulness or Meditation Routine

Consider trying a mindfulness or meditation routine. These techniques can help you become more aware of your emotions and learn to manage bipolar aggression more constructively. Remaining grounded and present in the moment can also reduce stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

9. Keep Track of Your Moods

A mood journal is an effective tool when managing bipolar anger. Tracking your mood changes can help you identify triggers for anger and develop an action plan to manage and prevent future episodes of rage.

10. Get Your Body Moving

Start the flow of endorphins by moving your body! Physical activity can help release pent-up energy and negative feelings like anger and frustration. Regular exercise may also improve overall mood stability and reduce the risk of manic anger.

11. Develop an Action Plan

Preparing for and managing episodes of bipolar anger starts with creating an action plan. Your plan could list your triggers for anger and helpful coping strategies to engage when symptoms become overwhelming.

12. Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol can help improve your overall well-being. If you have bipolar disorder, it is important to prioritize self-care and make choices that support your mental health.

Tips for maintaining a healthy life with bipolar include:

• Sleeping six to nine hours per day
• Eating three balanced, nutritional meals with healthy snacks
• Attaining a balance between work and enjoyable activities
• Avoiding toxic relationships and environments
• Abstaining from drugs, alcohol, and other substances of abuse
• Avoiding addictive behaviors that may lead to processing disorders and other complex conditions

How to Deal With Someone Who Is Bipolar & Angry

Arguing or dating someone with bipolar disorder exhibiting rage can be challenging. However, try to remember that this behavior is a product of the condition. Those with bipolar disorder may say hurtful things when upset, but there are ways to help them calm their rage.

Below are tips for effectively dealing with someone exhibiting bipolar rage:

Remain Calm

When people become angry, reacting with anger may only worsen the situation. Take deep breaths or engage in coping skills. Arguing with irrational thoughts, going on the attack, or using defense mechanisms is not helpful.

Provide Some Space

When someone is experiencing bipolar rage, give them space. Crowding the individual, pressing on the issue, and minimizing the opportunity for them to step away prevents them from enacting their adaptive coping skills. Giving space provides the chance for you to do the same.

Remember, those experiencing bipolar anger are encouraged to make their own space to calm down. Not affording them this option minimizes their ability to cope. You are now the one invading their space.

Set & Maintain Boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries in any relationship is important, but may be especially so when a loved one has bipolar disorder. During a calm moment, state and explain your limits on what you will and will not accept when your loved one is angry. These boundaries should be clearly defined and collaborative. Once set, ensure you are consistent with their maintenance.

Become Educated on Bipolar Disorder

Understanding bipolar disorder can help you make informed decisions. Moreover, possessing a robust knowledge of the condition can facilitate healthy, judgment-free communication that does not minimize your loved one’s feelings or behaviors.

Be Patient & Empathetic

Remember that your loved one is dealing with a mental health condition that can cause mood swings, depression, and other challenging symptoms. Showing patience and understanding can help you create a supportive environment that promotes healing and recovery.

Don’t Let Them Avoid Taking Responsibility

It is important to encourage a person with bipolar disorder to take responsibility for their actions and behaviors. While this can be challenging, especially when dealing with bipolar rage or anger symptoms, your loved one should understand the impact of their actions. Try not to see their anger as a ‘bipolar tantrum’ but as a means of offering support and guidance as they navigate their challenges.

Focus on Using Healthy Communication Skills

Healthy communication can involve active listening, using “I” statements, and avoiding blame or criticism. Constructively interacting with your loved one may help reduce the risk of bipolar rage or verbal abuse. It also shows them that you sympathize with their experience and are willing to work on your relationship.

Remember It’s Not Your Fault

It is common for individuals with bipolar disorder to direct their anger and frustration toward loved ones. However, remind yourself that their symptoms are not your fault. By separating the person from their illness, you can avoid taking their behavior personally and focus on providing support and understanding.

Don’t Back Down When They’re Upset

When dealing with someone experiencing bipolar anger, set boundaries and communicate your needs calmly and constructively. Utilize healthy communication skills and approach the topic patiently and empathetically. If necessary, revisit the situation after the person has settled down. It is important to prioritize your safety first.

Seek Support & Therapy

Seeing a counselor provides a safe space to discuss your experience and devise adaptive coping skills. In-person or online support groups are also helpful as you can meet others in similar situations. Here, you can find common ground, provide mutual support, and share resources.

Final Thoughts

Talking to a therapist or a trusted loved one can help you deal with bipolar anger and rage. Coping strategies are different for everyone, and mastering these can take time. Living a fulfilling life with meaningful relationships is possible if you put in the effort.