Bipolar "sensitivities" -- how far do they extend?

I know not everything is necessarily a bipolar thing, but I wonder... I think many of us tend to be very sensitive emotionally or mood wise, which then makes me also wonder: to what extent do these sensitivities go? Also, do these sensitivities correlate with mood for you?

Here is an example: I am very sensitive to sounds and touch. For example, there are many sounds I cannot stand (e.g., people chewing, people sucking on candy, people making blowing sounds out of frustration, etc.). I know this may be rude for me to do, but I either walk away (if I can) or I plug my ears because those sounds bother me so much (which pisses off my dad A LOT, but his and my mom's chewing bother me to the extreme and trigger very angry feelings). I also cannot stand how a carpet feels on my bare feet, or many food textures (so I am a picky eater). Even food flavors I am sensitive to. Lots of people prefer "flavorful food," but I prefer as bland as possible unless it has olive oil on it and/or some kind of pepper (chili pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, Kashmiri chili powder, chili oil, etc.).

Even if you don't feel this way everyday, what about how you feel during a mood episode?

Lol. I couldn't stand the sound of my dad slurping his coffee; also the sound of coaster wheels on concrete. Im EXTREMELY sensitive to my environment in general. Nice environment = good mood so I always have to try to keep things positive.

For me, its things like slamming doors, clattering plates, dropping silverware. The other night my wife accidentally clinked a bowl loudly against another and I thrw my hands up around my head without knowing I was doing it. It was the first time I had done it ever. It actually triggered something in her that is her story to tell, but it was an instinctual reaction in me, and was so bad and violent in me. I've had a lot of these this episode. No correlation with mood, just this episode cycle

I'm someone who believes that, for the most part, what bring people with Bipolar Disorder together, is Bipolar Disorder. I think that, minus being in an episode, we are who we are, with all of our quirks, all that makes us human, all that makes us unique. I do think that co-morbidities (i.e. anxiety and PTSD), when shared, can lead to a lot of commonalities that we wouldn't otherwise have.

When I'm at the tail end of hypomania, into mania, I *can't stand* loud noises (or that seem loud to me), or strong light (or that seems strong to me). They just send me reeling. They make me want to run and hide, they make me very irritable. On the other hand, certain textures and colors, during hypomania, are perceived as *so* stunning, so beautiful, so otherworldly...

Light and sound are either super annoying or beyond gorgeous, when hypo or manic. Everything is dull when depressed. Favorite music or art or reading--it all has no beauty and is totally uncompelling.

Interstingly, my mother's favorite saying to me when I was little was: "Oh, honey, you are just too sensitive."

I think we are so bombarded by emotions and challenged by stress that sensory things become really big for us. Ive always needed a lot of quiet and alone time-but now too much of that with covid. Phew, its one thing or another. My friend said the next thing to happen is going to be space aliens landing in front of the White House! LOL Many of us are thinking that space aliens are already in the White House. I even voted for that crazy narcissist. Well, you can fool me once, blondie, but you're going down! Whatever your philosophy, be sure to vote. Many of us have skipped that in the past. No excuse now. Hugs, everyone!

I don't have any severe sensitivities in terms of the five senses, but some that have been noticeable or worsened at different times.

As for olfactory sensitivities, I dislike most all perfumes and colognes so never wear them and am even picky about underarm deodorants and body/hair wash products. However, most natural smells don't bother me at all.

When it comes to auditory sensitivities, I do become anxious when there are numerous sounds happening simultaneously. It's hard for me to concentrate on one in such cases. For example, if music is on, my husband is talking to me, and some car alarm is going off, I become anxious and it is all noise. Perhaps that relates to some distress from past racing thoughts? I just assume that. Plus, I have a past history of having musical hallucinations (or sometimes the sound of multiple DJs talking with music that becomes noise). That was severely distressing at some points.

I've never really had gustatory sensitivities. I am not a picky eater in terms of disliking any particular food or food ingredient, but I do know what delicious preparations are compared to less delicious ones. I am a very enthusiastic and good cook. I confess that I do scrutinize restaurant food (and even my own food sometimes) if it is not well prepared. I can be the annoying restaurant customer that when asked if a meal is good, is willing to say either no or what could be improved about it. Unfortunately, most of the time they ignore such feedback. There was a time when my sense of taste was reduced and nothing tasted particularly special. I believe that was either depression or medication-induced. I recall it was when I was taking Depakote and Invega and was quite depressed. My sense of taste was restored after that period.

I don't have any major tactile sensitivities. Well, maybe I'm a little ticklish, but I otherwise don't mind being touched. In fact, I have no problem being in tight quarters. I used to like sitting right up against people or in crowded buses. I'm physically affectionate with those I love, though not so much with strangers or casual friends. The latter is more cultural (my family's tendency).

The only visual sensitivity I have is related to sunlight or glares of light. That can spark mood elevation in me. I believe it has also brought on silent migraine auras and maybe even seizure activity.

I share with others that when I'm hypomanic/manic everything seems better (more beautiful, more delicious, more lovely sounds).

When I'm not medicated? The word I see glaring in my mind is


***EVERYTHING***


I think it would take pages and pages for me to detail all the sensitivities. I'm not even sure I could then, because one sensation morphs into another. Most are auditory and visual, but those can trigger off a myriad of responses...
It gets way out there.

I had a friend, she used to say that psych meds were like putting a screen on an open window. I've always liked that analogy.

I think I have SAD. Weather can also affect me, like a cloudy day. Rain makes ithe dreary day even worse. Screeching sounds, like running ones nails accross a chalk board, bothers me allot.

Ambulance sirens, clattering dishes, screaming children, music I can't stand (or that I know will get stuck in my head for weeks). I will literally cover my ears and start making sounds to try to block it. Being around intense artificial smells (walk down the air freshener aisle? No thank you!) Sudden noises set off a big startle reflex (which people seem to think is hilarious, but is from childhood trauma, so not funny to me).

A high irritation level can be indicative of a negative mood elevation. Took me awhile to figure that out. Things can vary in intensity with mood shifts, but they're still the same things.

Oh, and screaming. All kinds. And parents screaming at children. I don't consider myself to be an HSP, though I do have some issues. A lot of them stem more from trauma I think.

*********
Mr. Robot

Makes me sick to the heart, Oh I feel so tired. And the way the rain comes down hard, that's how I feel inside.

--The Cure

My best friend is very much affected by cloudy days. Do you use mood lights like Varilux 10,000? You know Im in Phoenix. I think we're very lucky to have so many sunny days.