They say I’m moody and irritable.
Often people are worried about bipolar diagnosis for being moody. Loved ones will tell them they are moody and suggest bipolar. It's the irritation at the smallest things that other point out. They bark back at loved ones who try to engage in conversation or just ask a question. The person may not want to be around people. They seem distracted and thinking about many things. They have a hard time committing to events or planned activities. They view themselves as easily annoyed for no real reason. What seems moody, is really anxiety. People with anxiety are concentrating on what they are worrying about. It could be one of million things they worry about. They worry about a lot of things; big things, little things, people, events, thoughts, and catastrophes they have created in their mind. They are so busy planning in their head for what might go wrong and ways to avoid it, that when confronted with any external stimuli, they are irritated. If their brain could interrupt even for a moment it might say, “Hey do not interrupt this time of worry. I am busy thinking and planning for what might go down. It could go bad, so I need to be planning for this. I do not have time to answer your question. I cannot adequately focus attention on your need until I resolve and create of plan for my current thought or event.” People with anxiety benefit from planning ahead. Help them prepare and preplan things. Give them notice, even for having a talk. You might offer something like, “Hey you seem busy, when you get a chance, I want to tell you about my day.” Or “Hey, can you change the diaper, or should I?”. Give them small pieces of information or questions at a time. Give them time to absorb what you have to offer. Those with anxiety can benefit from positive thought replacement. If you find yourself caught in catastrophizing a thought, situation or event, remind yourself to “spin it” and make it the most positive outcome possible. This takes practice and habit. Once your brain uses this and it becomes routine, you will make changes in your brain function and it will become more autonomous. Lisa Willmon, M. Ed. LPC-S
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