Ever wonder how to deal with a brain that is overwhelmed by bipolar symptoms when a project is due? Here’s what happens—and what works—for me.
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People often ask me, “Julie, how do you deal with brain overwhelm when you have a project due?”
First, it’s normal for people who have bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions to “shut down” when their brains gets overwhelmed.
What Is a Bipolar Shutdown?
A bipolar shutdown is a specific response to extreme stress and sensory overload. Unlike general exhaustion, it acts as a circuit breaker for the brain. It is not the same as laziness, burnout, or a simple lack of motivation. While burnout happens over a long period, a bipolar shutdown is an acute neurological defense mechanism where the brain temporarily loses its ability to process more information.
My mother’s house has an old wiring system. If we use the heater upstairs and I turn on too many lights in the basement, the circuits flip out, and the electric system shuts down. This is exactly what happens when my brain “shuts down.”
Identifying Common Triggers for Sensory Overload
Understanding what flips the switch is the first step toward stability. Common triggers for shutdown include:
- Tight deadlines that increase cognitive load
- Emotional overstimulation or interpersonal conflict
- High-pressure environments with excessive noise or light
- Multitasking beyond one’s current mental capacity
When experiencing anxiety and overwhelm, it helps to use tools like written prompts or scripts. That’s one strategy I use when managing bipolar-related brain overload.
What I Do When Bipolar Limits My Workdays
I also allow myself to move some of my work to another day if I have to. I can’t expect perfection when I’m having a rough day.
I love work. But I always remind myself that experiencing brain overwhelm is normal, and I have to work within my limitations. After about 25 hours of work — even if I spread it out over a week — my brain says “no more!” and shuts down.
Managing Frustration and Paranoia During Overload
During these moments, I may start to cry, as I’m doing right now. I can become paranoid, struggle to sleep, and feel angry and frustrated.
That’s just my reality. But it doesn’t mean I can’t get things done. My non-bipolar self used to get very upset when this happened and say, “Come on, Julie! You’re just a big crybaby!” But I know that’s not true.
Just like my mom’s house and her electricity, my brain “shuts down” once it hits overload. Reminding myself that I’m not weak or lazy — and that sometimes I need prompts to get myself through — is what helps.
This is our reality. Let’s face it and get on with it.
Accepting It and Moving Forward
It’s okay if you aren’t your usual, smooth-talking self every day. If bipolar disorder makes long workdays impossible, you are normal. I am normal. Your loved one is normal.
What do you need to say to the people in your life about your work limitations due to “bipolar brain overwhelm”? Review my script below for talking with others about it. We can do this!
A Note From Julie
I write scripts out first to share with people who might not understand why I act as I do because of bipolar disorder. Here is a script that shows how I talk with people about my work limitations:
Working Together With Bipolar Disorder
I’m happy we are working together. As you know, I live with bipolar disorder. It’s common for people with bipolar to feel overwhelmed by work. Our real selves usually love work and want to keep going, but our brains sometimes have different needs. I have a four-hour limit on how much I can work at once. Sometimes, it’s two hours — but my maximum will be four hours on most workdays.
On some days, I can’t work at all and have to spend all of my time managing my condition. My overall limit is 25 hours Monday through Friday, but I can work more if I spread it throughout the week. I can work more when my sleep is in order.
I’m telling you this because I don’t want you to be surprised when I say, “What time is it? My brain just stopped working!” You will know that means I have given my all and have to rest. I do get work done, but I want to be honest about the struggle. I have accepted this and would love your help in getting things done during my realistic work window.
UPDATED: Originally posted March 10, 2017
