Bipolar Disorder: When Isolation Begins to Harm Your Life
I'm living with bipolar 2. Recently, I realized the way in which my isolation due to depressive and hypomanic episodes effects myself and those around me. This past year has been one filled with ups and downs and there is no doubt that my friendships have taken a back seat. Isolation is unhealthy when you live with bipolar disorder, and it is essential that we be aware of the way solitude negatively impacts our lives.
Bipolar Disorder and Isolation: A Common but Unhealthy Habit
Isolation is a common habit when you live with bipolar disorder. I isolate when the highs and lows become so frequent that I feel it is best for me to be alone and away from friends and family. However, as time goes on, I become too comfortable with being isolated; which is not good for my mental health. It is okay when we take moments to ourselves, especially during depressive episodes, but when one week turns into two or three months, that indicates that there is a problem.
I have been isolated on and off over the past year, and I see where it has negatively affected my life. It has caused me to be more anxious when I am around people. I value my friendships very much, but when I detach, it takes a toll on my connection with friends. It also hurts the way I physically appear to those around me. I take pride in being someone who dresses up for the day no matter the occasion. It makes me feel good about myself and is something I enjoy. After a couple of months isolating myself, I started dressing like I didn't care. It is a sign of low-self esteem and symbolizes the way I feel about myself. A majority of these problems stem from isolation.
Taking Steps to Get Out of Isolation
Taking steps to get out of isolation when you live with bipolar disorder is essential. The first step is acknowledging that there is a problem. It is not something that can be fixed overnight but taking one step at a time will eventually get you out of isolation.
I start each morning reading my bipolar disorder self-help book for 15 minutes and doing at-home exercises to get me ready for the day. Also, being that I work from home, I make sure to do my work outside of the house. I force myself to go to different places every other week to do my job. I journal about what I see, how this is helping, my fears and so on.
These little steps build on one another, and eventually, I got back into the habit of dressing up for the day. I am still a work in progress, and I have days where I keep to myself, but beating myself down is pointless. Also, I reach out to a friend or family member and be honest with them about what is going on. I struggle with asking others for help, but I realized not reaching out only emphasizes the problem at hand. Let them know that you are tired of isolating yourself and would like to do more things with others. It is about taking little steps and being honest with yourself.
When you live with bipolar disorder, it is essential we surround ourselves with people. It is not a good thing when you become too comfortable with being alone. We have a lot to contribute to society, and we should take pride in what we have to offer to those around us. Take small steps and you will eventually find yourself out of isolation.
APA Reference
Blum, H.
(2018, May 29). Bipolar Disorder: When Isolation Begins to Harm Your Life, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, September 7 from https://www.healthyplace.com/living-with-bipolar-blog/2018/5/bipolar-disorder-when-isolation-begins-to-harm-your-life
Author: Hannah Blum
Thank you for commenting Mary. Sending love to you and your husband!
Hopefully you can help me. At the age of 19 I was told that I have severe manic depression . Then many years went to by and I now have bipolar 2 and ptsd. So yeah I've been thru alot. It's so true about isolation , I used love going 2 the beach (live in fl) And now I don't care to see the sun. I've been thru some f*cred up shit when I was outside weather is walking my boys or going out for ice cream with my husband . It's upsets me so very much... I loved to get dress up nd just be in all. But unfortunately I have lost hope in this world. I've had a so called friend tell me I only attract negative energy or people . I don't understand wth????
Hi Jenny! First off thank you for commenting and being so open. Isolation is a major problem and it causes us to withdraw. The important thing is to not beat yourself down. It only makes things worse. Do not lose hope, we all go through these moments in life, regardless of a mental illness. Focus on yourself and surround yourself with positive energy. Maybe you need to step out of your environment. Take baby steps to going back out and being social. I am in the same boat in many ways, but I challenge myself to do the uncomfortable. Also, I used to not be a fan of self help books, but I found two that really help me-"The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson & "You Are A Badass: Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living An Awesome Life" by Jen Sincero. Sending you love, please continue to keep me updated.
Dear Hannah,
Thank you so very much for your advice . I really don't talk to anyone about it. It's a consistent battle 4 me and lately it's been getting worse. Between my medication, and my 2 oldest children who no longer want nothing to do with me because thy don't believe in this. So have not had the most understanding kind hearted family. My mum and boyfriend accept it. However I just feel so alone no one understands me. Again thank you for ur time in helping me.
Hopefully you can help me. At the age of 19 I was told that I have severe manic depression . Then many years went to by and I now have bipolar 2 and ptsd. So yeah I've been thru alot. It's so true about isolation , I used love going 2 the beach (live in fl) And now I don't care to see the sun. I've been thru some f*cred up shit when I was outside weather is walking my boys or going out for ice cream with my husband . It's upsets me so very much... I loved to get dress up nd just be in all. But unfortunately I have lost hope in this world. I've had a so called friend tell me I only attract negative energy or people . I don't understand wth????
This article was extremely helpful to me, I have extreme difficulty being isolated, I’m type 1 with anxiety disorder. My family believes that isolation is best for me. I think a therapist gave my wife the idea. When I don’t self isolate my family isolated me. The feelings that come with it are long lasting and self loathing. It seems to affect my seeking treatment negatively. I often triggered and go far lower than usual during these times. Is it safe to do this kind of treatment, will this type of treatment negatively affect my already wildly swinging moods? How do I tell them how I feel, they think I’m just acting so they’ll accept me again only to have me fall on my face in a month or two, then they isolate me again. Thank you for your help
I struggle with bipolar I, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder. I take medication and I do other things, like exercise regularly, to cope with the illness. However, I find myself lonely and isolated a lot. My family shuns me too. I am an only child and it hurts when family and friends betray me or turn their backs. My heart goes out to anyone struggling in this way. What coping skills can be used to regain confidence to get out their amongst people again? Thank you for your replies!