Hyperfocus and other Bipolar Gifts

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It goes without saying that the perils of bipolar disorder are many.

Bipolar disorder affects about 2.8% of people living in the United States. Worldwide, bipolar disorder is considered to be the sixth leading cause of disability by The World Health Organization. While the disorder can affect anyone and any age, bipolar disorder is typically diagnosed in the early to mid-twenties, with 25 being the average age of diagnosis. While the genetic component of bipolar disorder still needs extensive research, it’s known that about two-thirds of people with bipolar disorder have at least one close relative with either bipolar disorder or depression. Likewise, recent research shows that there is a relationship between bipolar disorder and cognitive impairment including memory problems, disorganized thought processes, and difficulty concentrating.

Other impairments that may occur with bipolar disorder relate to the two different mood phases that characterize it. During the manic phase of bipolar disorder, people may experience decreased inhibition, which can cause them to act in ways that they may not typically act in, including unusually risky or dangerous behaviors. During the depressive phase, people with this disease may be unable to participate in activities that they normally would, which can lead to social isolation. This can often impact one’s interpersonal relationships and professional life. [1]

In the UK, The World Health Organization identifies bipolar as one the top causes of lost years of life and health in 15- to 44-year-olds. Of the people with bipolar today in the UK, 70,000 are at risk to lose their fight with mental illness unless action is taken, and of those an estimated 800 people with bipolar disorder are at a greater than average risk of losing their life. ]2]

I say all that to say that it is all too easy to be consumed by the devastation that was formerly known as manic depression. So, without invalidating the terror, I would also like to discuss the many gifts that come along with this disorder.

(a) Hyperfocus: Hyperfocus is common in people with autism spectrum disorder, ADD/ADHD, OCD, and bipolar disorder. It is a state of intense single-minded concentration on one particular thing to the exclusivity of everything else around you. [3] True to bipolar form, while I generally pride myself on my above average intellect, one can see how this could be both highly productive and problematic.

(b) Creativity: There are age-old implications about the link between mental illness and the artistic temperament. Of these, bipolar disorder may be the most interesting often manifesting as the mad genius or tortured artist. While we must endure lulling periods of little to no productivity or unfinished projects, there are often times that exhibit a great overflow of creative energy. The task then becomes learning how to harness and direct that energy in a way that serves us without depleting our health reserves.

(c) Insight: The ability to understand how thought provokes behavior first, and then how to alter thought patterns that influence behavior toward a healthier outcome is paramount to mental health recovery. Likewise, the insight of suffering has the ability to grow heartfelt compassion for the suffering of others, thereby relieving our own suffering as being entirely useless or in vain. I am a big fan of assigning pain a function which often translates as a greater sense of love, understanding, and appreciation for others and ourselves on a deeper level.

(d) Resilience: While bipolar disorder can be entirely taxing and infamously progressive in nature, that very same stress and pressure may be responsible for an ounce of the goodness in our lives. When I come up against a challenge, I am now able to actively detect and dismiss distorted thinking and problem solve in a way that maybe a person with typical brain chemistry might not. I often describe this as “lucid waking.” While difficult and highly imperfect, a large aspect of bipolar healing is understanding when this disorder is lying to you and creating more havoc than necessary. While the hardship of life doesn’t necessarily roll off my back, I do feel uniquely equipped to navigate trauma by virtue and consequence of bipolar disorder.

So, there ya have it! A truly bipolar take away from a truly bipolar disorder. Even in the face of flagrant mental illness, I think it’s important to remember that with these often-horrific experiences comes a harrowing sense of decency, honesty, compassion, forgiveness, and humanity.

How has bipolar disorder positively influenced your life? Have you been able to discern the light in the dark?

Sources:

[1] Important Facts and Statistics About Bipolar Disorder - Prevelance, Risk, & More (therecoveryvillage.com)

[2] Bipolar – The Facts | Bipolar UK

[3] Let's Talk About Hyperfocus (themighty.com)