Local Rehab Explores Bipolar Disorder and Blame

Houston, TX - SUN Behavioral Health Houston published a blog post that explored why people with bipolar disorder may blame others. Bipolar disorder makes it challenging to maintain relationships, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible. Partners of people with bipolar disorder may have complicated feelings about their relationship and find communication and trust challenging. When the stress of life worsens bipolar symptoms, partners may feel like they are walking on eggshells when they are around their loved ones.

“There are several types of bipolar disorders. These types can result in different intensity levels in symptoms and different lengths at which those symptoms present themselves before their mood changes. However, many people with bipolar disorder might exhibit hostile or defiant behaviors, including blaming others. This behavior can be challenging for the accused person, but remember, it is not anyone’s fault. Blaming others can be a sign of bipolar disorder, and there are several reasons someone might exhibit bipolar behaviors that have nothing to do with you. It can come from genetics or traumatic events from the person’s past,” the blog post states.

Bipolar disorder involves the changing of episodes known as mania and depression. Both of these episodes may involve people being more likely to blame others. When it comes to mania, people with bipolar disorder may have high self-esteem and believe they are invincible. They can become distracted or wholly absorbed in an activity, which may lead to poor choices. When depression comes, they may feel shame and guilt over those actions and become overwhelmed. As a result, they may try to pass those challenging feelings onto other people as blame. They often want to feel better about themselves, and they might feel like transferring the blame and guilt they feel for themselves onto someone else will improve those emotions for themselves.

Blaming others may also be a coping strategy for those with bipolar disorder. They feel overwhelmed by their challenging emotions that are associated with either manic or depressive episodes. When they blame other people in their lives, they can avoid responsibility for those actions and feelings. They may also feel betrayed by their condition and feel like if they blame someone else, then they can get out the anger they feel surrounding their bipolar disorder.

“Encourage your loved ones that they are not alone in their bipolar disorder and that treatment is possible. They do not need to fear treatment, and remind them that you will support them through the process. Bipolar treatment is typically a combination of medications and counseling. While bipolar disorder is lifelong, treatment can help people manage their symptoms. Understand that if your loved one experiences a bipolar relapse, it does not mean they have failed or cannot improve. Treatment can be a flexible experience. Just because one thing worked once doesn't mean it will always work. At any point, a medical professional might adjust their treatment if necessary,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Houston solves unmet needs in their community. They offer no-cost care assessments and crisis care that provides admissions 24/7. SUN Behavioral Health is also able to treat co-occurring disorders, which can include bipolar disorder and substance use disorder. Additionally, they offer a women’s connections program to give women in Houston an environment that provides healing and care for every step of their recovery journey.

SUN Behavioral Health Houston solves unmet needs. For more information, visit their website or call them at 713-796-2273.