Bipolar Disorder: Why You Can’t Outthink It

Please note: This is a sneak peek of Bipolar Rules — that means it’s just a draft. This is not the final version.

For a long time, I held the belief that I could mentally outsmart bipolar disorder. My reasoning was simple: if the disorder resided in my mind, then surely my mind could conquer it. I thought that by reading the right self-help books, mastering effective coping strategies, or embracing the right philosophical approach, I could overcome this condition. In my naivety, I believed I was “smarter” than any illness, convinced that sheer mental effort would suffice to defeat bipolar disorder.

This notion is, regrettably, quite prevalent. Many people find it intuitive to think this way. After all, there is a wealth of pop psychology that suggests you can merely “turn that frown upside down.” Additionally, a myriad of lifestyle “cures” for mental health issues, particularly depression, abound. Friends and family often urge us to “pull up our socks” with the belief that such a mindset shift will lead to improvement, perpetuating this fallacy.

Compounding this issue is the presence of individuals who assert they have successfully “cured” their own mental illnesses through specific philosophies, religions, or thought processes. It’s disheartening to witness people who exploit the genuine desire for recovery by offering dubious solutions for a “very reasonable” price. These claims can be misleading and disillusioning for those genuinely struggling with their mental health.

Moreover, the severe pain and distress caused by mental illness lead many to seek any possible remedy. The allure of a New Age guru promising healing through kale and positive thinking can seem far more appealing than a life reliant on psychotropic medications. This temptation to believe in the power of the mind over illness is understandable, especially when those around us reinforce the notion that it is indeed possible to overcome bipolar disorder through sheer willpower.

I believe this represents another instance of bipolar disorder deceiving us. It convinces us that we can simply harness our minds to combat it. Much like a self-sustaining organism, bipolar disorder seeks to endure, flourish, and even proliferate. If we rely solely on mental fortitude to battle this condition, we inadvertently allow it to thrive unchallenged.

This mindset contributes significantly to the reluctance some have towards medication, whether or not they articulate it openly. Individuals often mistakenly believe that bipolar disorder exists solely within their minds, leading them to conclude that their thoughts alone can rectify the situation.

However, a critical flaw in this reasoning, one I previously shared, is this: yes, bipolar disorder is manifesting in your mind, but it fundamentally resides in your brain. This illness is rooted in the neural pathways that constitute an organ essential for survival. You cannot simply will your brain into producing healthy thoughts any more than you could will your pancreas to produce insulin correctly. While psychological factors undoubtedly play a role in bipolar disorder, the biological components must be addressed first to create a solid foundation for psychological healing.

What many proponents of simplistic solutions fail to disclose is that bipolar disorder is, at least in part, a biological condition. The brains of individuals with bipolar disorder exhibit structural differences compared to those of individuals without the condition.^1,2 Expecting a compromised brain to rectify its own dysfunction is illogical. It’s akin to attempting to drive a broken-down car to the mechanic or asking a surgeon with injured hands to perform surgery on themselves. The belief that one can outthink bipolar disorder often stems from a lack of understanding regarding its neurological basis. Unfortunately, this misconception can become deeply entrenched in a troubled mind, especially considering that anosognosia—a clinical lack of insight—is common in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, preventing individuals from recognizing their illness.

Ultimately, the solution is straightforward: without addressing the biological aspects underlying bipolar disorder, effectively tackling it from a psychological perspective is nearly impossible. This often necessitates medication. If you are experiencing an acute episode of bipolar disorder, your options may be limited, and it is crucial to fully grasp and accept this reality.

Yet, there is hope: while you cannot outthink bipolar disorder, you can strategize against it, navigate around it, and even undermine it once you have addressed the biological foundations. Engaging in therapy becomes essential, and acquiring various coping strategies that integrate your thoughts and behaviors can significantly impact your journey.

If you’ve struggled with the notion that you should be able to outthink bipolar disorder, rest assured that you are not alone. I understand the immense pressure I placed on myself in an attempt to achieve this feat and the subsequent guilt for falling short. If you find yourself in this mindset, I empathize with your struggle. Please allow yourself to release the burden of impossibility. I urge you to recognize that collaboration with your biology is essential, supported by psychological strategies. Your brain, much like any other ailing organ, requires biological assistance.

Thus, while it may not be possible to outthink bipolar disorder, remember that you can indeed confront it, and with determination, you may even find moments of victory.

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Sources

1. Technology Networks. (2017, May 2). MRI study of bipolar sufferers reveals structural differences. Neuroscience From Technology Networks. https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/mri-study-of-bipolar-sufferers-reveals-structural-differences-288248
2. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. (2017, January 24). Area of brain linked to bipolar disorder pinpointed. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/01/170124144000.htm

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