Even though they originate in the same brain, bipolar emotions and genuine emotions are distinct. In fact, they can be diametrically opposed. It is difficult to distinguish a bipolar emotion from a legitimate, organic emotion. What people frequently discover is that bipolar emotions are so powerful that genuine emotions can get drowned out.
What Are Bipolar Emotions?
The most basic definition of bipolar emotions is emotions caused by bipolar disorder.
Okay, but that is not the most helpful definition when it comes to distinguishing between bipolar emotions and genuine emotions.
Bipolar emotions are often overpowering, unrealistic, and out of proportion to the situation. They also tend to originate from and correspond with specific mood episodes. In other words, your emotions correspond to your current mood.
Feeling sad when you are depressed is a simple example. You may not have a reason to be sad. Everything in your life could be fantastic. But you feel sad because bipolar has taken over your brain.
Another example would be feeling grandiose when hypomanic or manic. You may be an average person with an average self-perception. On a typical day, you may appear introverted. On a manic or hypomanic day, however, you may feel like you’re on top of the world. You may feel like you’re better than everyone else. You might believe that you are smarter than everyone else. Again, these are not your genuine emotions and thoughts; they are the result of a sick brain.
Of course, bipolar emotions can be far more complicated. Because bipolar emotions are often accompanied by friends, identifying sadness or grandiosity is more difficult. It is more like an emotional soup, where a variety of emotions interact with one another. Plus, every time you have a bipolar episode, this soup changes flavor, so even after you have finished identifying everything in one soup, another one is just around the corner.
What Are Your Emotions?
It is difficult to define my genuine emotions, but a simple definition is what you feel as you go through life that is not influenced by bipolar disorder.
Someone can describe sculpting is simple. All you have to do is chisel away everything that is not part of the sculpture. But that may not be difficult to apply in real life. You can chisel away everything that is the bipolar emotion, leaving the emotion.
While this metaphor has some validity, knowing everything that is a bipolar emotion is required in order to determine what your own emotion is can be pretty tricky.
Emotions vs Bipolar Emotions
Your emotions and bipolar emotions have been blended into a smoothie. And, as you might expect, extracting just one flavor from a smoothie is extremely difficult.
You may have the impression that your emotions are only a minor component of the smoothie. My bipolar emotions are the fruit, yogurt, and milk, whereas my emotions are only the one teaspoon of honey sprinkled on top. And how do you get the honey out of the smoothie after you have hit the frappe button on your blender? Can you taste the honey with everything else on top?
Separating your emotions from your bipolar emotions is a herculean task. While it is no easy task, it is also not impossible.
What to Do After Separating Your Emotions from Bipolar Emotions?
When you distinguish your emotions from bipolar emotions and come to the conclusion that what you are dealing with is my genuine emotion, not bipolar disorder, consider taking action. For example, if you are angry because someone lied to you, it is time to confront that person and express your feelings. If you’re feeling happiness, perhaps your action should simply be to enjoy it.
If, on the other hand, you have separated your bipolar emotions from your emotions and determined that your emotions are more likely to be related to bipolar disorder than to you, you should still take action. For example, if you are angry because of a situation in your environment, but your anger is completely out of proportion to what is happening, you can try calming down. Take a walk, practice yoga, or even see a therapist. Any of these things are acceptable as long as you do not project your feelings onto others. Remember, bipolar-driven emotions (or emotional intensity) are not your fault.
Separate Your Emotions from Your Bipolar Emotions
To summarize, this is not a purely academic exercise. Separating your emotions from bipolar emotions allows you to respond to your emotions in a healthy manner rather than lash out at those around you. Emotions drive action; the only question is determining what the true emotion is and what reasonable action to take.
Our team at California Mental Health will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that may include evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Internal Family systems therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. We are committed to providing culturally sensitive care that meets each client’s unique needs.
