We Need To Talk About This Destructive Symptom Of Bipolar Disorder

According to Sexual Health Matters, hypersexuality is found among an estimated 25 to 80% of all bipolar patients experiencing mania. That’s not trivial or an insignificant number. There are approximately 5.7 million adult Americans (approximately 2.6% of the population age 18 and older in the U.S.), who live with bipolar disorder.

With that statistic, we can presume millions of people likely live with it. This symptom can be one of the most destructive and devastating. Yet many people don’t realize they have it or that it has a name. While the symptoms of bipolar disorder are highly characterized, there seems to be little discussion on this particular topic. Why is that?

With Suzy Favor Hamilton’s latest book Fast Girl: A Life Spent Running from Madness out in bookstores across the country, there has been an increased amount of discussion regarding bipolar mania. And more specifically, the symptom of hypersexuality.

She writes in her book, “Being bipolar means being insatiable. The high of the mania is never high enough. There is always a desire, a need, to push the high to the next level, in the same way a drug addict constantly requires more and stronger drugs. For a person with bipolar disorder, risky behavior can be the best drug of all.”

Robert Weiss, founding director of the Sexual Recovery Institute, Los Angeles, and director of Sexual Disorders Services at The Ranch Treatment Center, explained in a piece on PsychCentral, “Sexual addiction or hypersexuality is defined as a dysfunctional preoccupation with sexual fantasy, often in combination with the obsessive pursuit of casual or non-intimate sex: pornography, compulsive masturbation, romantic intensity and objectified partner sex for a period of at least six months.”

Hypersexuality is, from my personal experience, an overwhelming compulsion and addiction to sex and sexual content. When I’m hypersexual, I get intense cravings for sex. It’s similar to the sort of “butterflies in your stomach” feeling when you fall in love. It’s an intense high that gives me a massive boost in self-confidence. The temptation to act out is so strong I can practically feel it on my skin and taste it on my tongue. The worst part about hypersexuality is I’m never satisfied. I have to actively resist what my body is essentially trying to do on autopilot. If I’m not careful, then I’ll do something I’ll regret.

As a writer for bpHope Magazine, I encourage you to look at their website more insightful information on the topic. They are a fantastic resource when it comes to articles and expert advice on what the symptoms look like, as well as professional opinions from leading experts in bipolar disorder. Being that I’m happily married to a wonderful husband, this kind of symptom tends to get me in serious trouble. Last year, I had a terribly bad manic episode that lasted several months.

During that time, I lost complete control of myself and acted out sexually. The worst part was nothing was ever enough. I needed more and more. Nothing would satiate me. It took over my entire brain and wouldn’t let go until the mania finally died. Despite the fact that I fought fervently against my overwhelming urges, I still was constantly unable to stop myself from succumbing to temptation.

Now that the clouds have parted and the dust has settled, I can think clearly and work around the triggers that caused me to lose control. My husband and I educated ourselves thoroughly on hypersexuality, and he has now forgiven me for my actions. Whereas I was and am still responsible for all actions I take, I understand now that my behavior was a symptom of an illness, a common symptom of bipolar mania. Armed with this information, he, my best friends, and my healthcare professionals have all agreed on a strategic prevention plan to help minimize my triggers and prevent any future mistakes.

Although I do feel guilty every day for what I did, I no longer feel ashamed of myself. What happened was a terrible mistake, but I’ve learned a considerable amount from it. With knowledge comes power, and I’m trying every single day to bring that power back into my own hands. Hopefully, I’ll regain it fully one day.

Don’t be ashamed of your actions. Learn from them and grow. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of hypersexuality, or any other symptoms of mania, then please contact your doctor.

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