This is one of the kindest, non-judgmental presentations I have ever heard. I appreciate that neither the bipolar or the narcissist was demonized. One is a chemical imbalance and the other is a adaptation to what was lacking in childhood development.
Wow! This was SO helpful to me! I was diagnosed bipolar 17 years ago, even though I had symptoms many years before. But now I see that there has always been a narcissistic component to my personality and how I related to other people. As a Christian, I look at narcissism as rooted in the natural sin nature of man (selfish, prideful attitude), that is magnified or tamed by his/her early childhood experiences. Your point about a mother with four little children without an adequate emotion support system describes my early childhood to a T! My mom was a single mom (divorced from my institutionalized bipolar dad), lacking emotional and financial resources. It was a daily struggle for her. But I have great admiration for having done such a wonderful job in spite of the struggles. However, I didn’t always feel that way about her. She was the target of my adolescent rebellion-I put her through misery due to my inflated view of myself and also early, although unrecognized, signs of BP. Thankfully, I matured enough to make beautiful peace with her before she died at an early age due to cancer. I have always thought that the BP seemed to have a struggle with selfishness in it. But I now see that they are actually separate issues that intertwine. Also, as a Christian, I know that my deepening relationship with God has greatly helped me to accept, understand and live with the BP, and that the more I understand who I am in Christ, the tamer the narcissist in me becomes so that I am more able to receive and treat others with the grace I desperately need myself: get my eyes off of me and onto God so I can better see others the way He does-with mercy, grace and love. I truly appreciate the way this doctor so intricately explains potential causes and symptoms. The mind, will and emotions are so complex and unique in each person, even if there are commonalities in diseases and/or personality traits. No one is the same. Analysis requires patience and intuitive searching deep within the person. Thanks for your professional, understanding insight into a such a complicated subject. 👏👏
As I read this I began thinking my brother (who is bipolar) had written it. There were also four of us. Our dad was also bipolar and was institutionalized several times because he could become very dangerous. Our mother was a sweet, lovable mother, but this was in the late 40s and early 50s. My brother, who was likely ADHD at the time, was punished every day at school for daydreaming. He was spanked at home for getting in trouble at school - that’s just the way parenting was done in the fifties. My brother was very intelligent and grew up to be a successful mechanical design engineer. I have never thought of him as narcissistic because he has always been such a kind and empathetic man. He has been taken advantage of by thieves he has tried to help. (He feels like a millionaire and a philanthropist when manic.) When mania strikes a narcissistic side of his nature shows up. His naturally high intelligence makes him feel entitled to be a leader, a boss, a tyrant, a healer of society’s ills and a profound philosopher. You do not argue with him. If he demands something you either hand it over or suffer the consequences. He has his flying monkey, who is all too prepared to join the battle in his defense. I do not think of his real personality as narcissistic, but mania really makes it seem so. And like the doctor said, he is very resistant to treatment when manic, because he considers mania his ‘real’ personality - a personality the rest of us should accept. Very difficult to exist with him when he’s manic, to say the least! By the way, don’t let that person’s “actor” comment upset you. My brother is also a Christian and I hope and pray that he will someday be as astute as you. God bless you.
Thank you so much for this. I have two family members with bipolar disorder. One whom has accepted treatment early on and is doing a great job at accepting therapy and living life as best as possible. The other one also has narcisstic personality disorder and has refused treatment from the beginning. This video made it all make sense to me. Thanks again.
This is one of the kindest, non-judgmental presentations I have ever heard. I appreciate that neither the bipolar or the narcissist was demonized. One is a chemical imbalance and the other is a adaptation to what was lacking in childhood development.
Yes, very accurate. For many reasons. Also.. its 3:50 am and just finished painting my bathroom...
Wow! This was SO helpful to me! I was diagnosed bipolar 17 years ago, even though I had symptoms many years before. But now I see that there has always been a narcissistic component to my personality and how I related to other people. As a Christian, I look at narcissism as rooted in the natural sin nature of man (selfish, prideful attitude), that is magnified or tamed by his/her early childhood experiences. Your point about a mother with four little children without an adequate emotion support system describes my early childhood to a T! My mom was a single mom (divorced from my institutionalized bipolar dad), lacking emotional and financial resources. It was a daily struggle for her. But I have great admiration for having done such a wonderful job in spite of the struggles. However, I didn’t always feel that way about her. She was the target of my adolescent rebellion-I put her through misery due to my inflated view of myself and also early, although unrecognized, signs of BP. Thankfully, I matured enough to make beautiful peace with her before she died at an early age due to cancer.
I have always thought that the BP seemed to have a struggle with selfishness in it. But I now see that they are actually separate issues that intertwine. Also, as a Christian, I know that my deepening relationship with God has greatly helped me to accept, understand and live with the BP, and that the more I understand who I am in Christ, the tamer the narcissist in me becomes so that I am more able to receive and treat others with the grace I desperately need myself: get my eyes off of me and onto God so I can better see others the way He does-with mercy, grace and love.
I truly appreciate the way this doctor so intricately explains potential causes and symptoms. The mind, will and emotions are so complex and unique in each person, even if there are commonalities in diseases and/or personality traits. No one is the same. Analysis requires patience and intuitive searching deep within the person.
Thanks for your professional, understanding insight into a such a complicated subject. 👏👏
Maybe you are just a narcissist but you have great acting skills
As I read this I began thinking my brother (who is bipolar) had written it. There were also four of us. Our dad was also bipolar and was institutionalized several times because he could become very dangerous. Our mother was a sweet, lovable mother, but this was in the late 40s and early 50s. My brother, who was likely ADHD at the time, was punished every day at school for daydreaming. He was spanked at home for getting in trouble at school - that’s just the way parenting was done in the fifties. My brother was very intelligent and grew up to be a successful mechanical design engineer. I have never thought of him as narcissistic because he has always been such a kind and empathetic man. He has been taken advantage of by thieves he has tried to help. (He feels like a millionaire and a philanthropist when manic.) When mania strikes a narcissistic side of his nature shows up. His naturally high intelligence makes him feel entitled to be a leader, a boss, a tyrant, a healer of society’s ills and a profound philosopher. You do not argue with him. If he demands something you either hand it over or suffer the consequences. He has his flying monkey, who is all too prepared to join the battle in his defense. I do not think of his real personality as narcissistic, but mania
really makes it seem so. And like the doctor said, he is very resistant to treatment when manic, because he considers mania his ‘real’ personality - a personality the rest of us should accept. Very difficult to exist with him when he’s manic, to say the least! By the way, don’t let that person’s “actor” comment upset you. My brother is also a Christian and I hope and pray that he will someday be as astute as you. God bless you.
Thank you so much for this. I have two family members with bipolar disorder. One whom has accepted treatment early on and is doing a great job at accepting therapy and living life as best as possible. The other one also has narcisstic personality disorder and has refused treatment from the beginning. This video made it all make sense to me. Thanks again.
This is a bunch of excuses for the survivors these monsters have damaged. You are giving this behavior a pass.
incredible lecture. thank you for this invaluable info
It’s odd to me that bipolar isn’t psychologically driven, or that it isn’t traits
Who's bipolar? Not me.(Quick to react) i am
Not..