People with bipolar disorder may set high, possibly unattainable goals while experiencing mania. However, low self-esteem is extremely common for those with bipolar disorder, according to a 2020 study published in the journal Psychology and Psychotherapy. Setting high goals when someone feels invincible can make folks feel more particularly unworthy if they fall short of these goals.
If you or someone you know is seeking help for mental health concerns, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website, or call 1-800-950-NAMI(6264). For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357). In an emergency, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or call 911.
Studies Referenced:
Bertschy, G. (2020) Racing and crowded thoughts in mood disorders: A data-oriented theoretical reappraisal. L'Encephale, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32151457.
Pascual-Sanchez, A. (2020) Understanding social withdrawal in euthymic bipolar patients: The role of stigma. Psychiatry Research, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31923743.
Richard-Lepouriel, H. (2019) Impulsivity and its association with childhood trauma experiences across bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and borderline personality disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30336349.
Smilowitz, S. (2019) Age-related differences in medication adherence, symptoms, and stigma in poorly adherent adults with bipolar disorder. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31542988.
Di Nicola, M. (2020) Sensitivity to climate and weather changes in euthymic bipolar subjects: Association with suicide attempts. Frontiers in Psychiatry, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00095/full#h5.
Atuk, E. (2020) Relationship between dysfunctional beliefs, self-esteem, extreme appraisals, and symptoms of mania and depression over time in bipolar disorder. Psychology and Psychotherapy, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32096332.
Bastos, C.R. (2020) The role of CACNA1C gene and childhood trauma interaction on bipolar disorder. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32169562.
Posada Correa, A.M. (2020) Sexual and reproductive health in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Revista Colombiana de Psiquiatria, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32081203.
Rosenblat, J.D. (2018) Frequency of use and perceived helpfulness of wellness strategies for bipolar and unipolar depression. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30372507.
Hirschfeld, R. (2005) Bipolar disorder costs and comorbidity. American Journal of Managed Care, https://www.ajmc.com/journals/supplement/2005/2005-06-vol11-n3suppl/jun05-2074ps85-s90.
Experts:
Lillyana Morales, LMHC, MA in Mental Health Counseling, psychotherapist
Glenn Hirsch, MD, psychiatrist, Child Study Center at NYU Langone
Dr. Scott Aaronson, MD, psychiatrist, director of clinical research for The Retreat at Sheppard Pratt