If you are supporting a loved one with bipolar disorder, then you may be observing many strange behaviors from them at times.  They may go for periods of time acting "normal," and then suddenly start acting very bizarre, possibly even frightening you.  You may ask yourself questions like, "Why is my loved one so agitated?"  "Why is my loved one so angry?"  "Why is my loved one acting the way they are?"  If you have had these (and other) questions, then you are not alone.  Many other supporters have asked the same questions.

"Why is my loved one so angry?"  First of all, don't take this personally.  It is probably just a result of their bipolar disorder.  They may be in, or going into, a bipolar manic episode.  Many people think of a manic episode as "extreme happiness;" however, it can also mean more irritability, agitation, anger, or even violence, than is normal for your loved one. 

A person in a bipolar manic episode might also exhibit delusions "false beliefs," hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), and/or paranoia (thinking that other people are "out to get them").  These things can also cause your loved one to seem angry at you.

Even if your loved one is not in a bipolar episode, they may still experience feelings of anger.  For example, they may be feeling frustrated, and this may come out in anger, or they may just be angry that they have bipolar disorder at all.  Many people with the disorder feel this way, especially in the beginning, when the diagnosis almost turns their whole life around.  It takes some getting used to, and takes longer for some than others.

Although it may seem like your loved one is angry at you, they may be angry at themselves for getting bipolar disorder in the first place.  They may not understand that it is not their fault.  You can help them with this by educating yourself (and them) on bipolar disorder.  Look up the causes for the disorder, and give special attention to the heredity factor.

"Why is my loved one so angry?"  If you're still wondering this, then listen:  It probably has nothing to do with you.  If they are agitated and irritable as well, it is probably a good indication that it doesn't have anything to do with you.  If they become critical, again, do not take it personally. 

Your loved one may express a general unhappiness with their life, but this is not your fault – it may indicate a bipolar depressive episode.  Their anger may run out of steam and they may run out of energy, and you may watch them become depressed.  If you do, be aware that they may be going into an episode.

If you see any indication of the signs and symptoms of either a bipolar manic or depressed episode, first try to talk to your loved one about it.  If this is not successful, you may have to talk to their doctor and/or therapist about it.

Why is your loved one so angry?  It probably has nothing to do with anything you've said or done, so don't take it personally.  Most likely, it has to do with their bipolar disorder itself.