"Bipolar or Narcissism? Why Mania Can Look like Narcissism

When someone you love is manic or hypomanic, it can look a lot like narcissism — the grandiosity, the impulsivity, the lack of self-awareness in the moment, the way everything suddenly seems to revolve around them. It's one of the most confusing and painful overlaps for partners and caregivers to sort through. In this episode, I break down where bipolar mania and narcissistic traits actually diverge, why the mania mimics NPD so convincingly, and what this distinction means for the people loving someone through it. If you've ever asked yourself "is this the illness, or is this just who they are," this one's for you.