Last post on http://www.SoBipolar.com we focused on the manic symptom of pressured speech, now moving onto…
Feelings of Grandiosity (“I’m AMAZING!”)
What if I told you that you could be more important, powerful, and knowledgeable than everyone else in the world? Would you want that? If you have bipolar disorder, you just might get that wish granted… sort of anyway. You won’t actually be more important, powerful, or knowledgeable, but at least you’ll think that you are.
As difficult as it is to understand, the manic brain will make many people believe that they are something more than what they really are. For example, someone in a grandiose state of mind might think that they are God or a Nobel Peace Prize Winner (when they are not). Or that their life is superior to all others.
As a kind of subset of grandiosity, some develop hyper-religiosity, which is when the manic brain becomes fixated on all things religious and is flooded with “supernatural” knowledge that they believe the rest of the population does not have access to.
From personal experience I can share that these feelings of grandiosity really are quite grand 😉 I mean, who wouldn’t want to think they’re God’s gift to man? But then again, the ramifications that come from believing you’re the cat’s meow can be devastating, sometimes irreparable, and downright embarrassing.
Here is an example of what someone might do while in a grandiose state of mind:
A man is driving down the highway. He believes himself to be God. He is energized by this thought and truly believes in his immortality. He thinks he controls the universe. Because of this he closes his eyes and trusts that since he is God he will be able to drive safely even with his eyes closed. Until he inevitably crashes.
The above example is exactly why stigma surrounding mental health needs to end. People who are mentally ill can eventually become a danger to themselves and to the rest of society, if left untreated for too long.
Although feelings of grandiosity can seem amazing, it’s a huge red flag that a crash to the depressed side is lurking around the corner.
Next post we will discuss the manic symptom of irritability.
** As always, please remember, I am not a doctor. Just a so bipolar lady with a computer. 😉 So if you suspect you or someone you know has bipolar disorder, always consult with your physician or psychiatrist first.
I am so bipolar, and unashamed.
Loves this Mehri!