Managing frustration and controlling anger is one of the biggest challenges when living with bipolar disorder. In moments of loss of control, emotions take over everything, and even though you know it’s not ideal, it’s hard to prevent that anger from coming out in a disproportionate way. The feeling of losing control can be terrifying, both for the person experiencing it and for those around them.

What’s most difficult is that sometimes we fear ourselves, and what we’re capable of when those emotions overflow. It’s a real fear, because in those moments, you don’t recognize what you’re doing. Despite trying to stay calm, anger hits like a wave, sweeping everything away, and the frustration of not being able to avoid it is what’s hardest to face.