Ghosting: The Psychological Impact on Mental Health and the Severe Consequences for People with Bipolar Disorder

March 10, 2023 / esfein / Leave a comment

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Ghosting, the act of suddenly ending communication without explanation, can cause significant emotional distress. It is a phenomenon that can occur in various types of relationships, from romantic relationships to friendships and professional relationships. Being ghosted can lead to feelings of confusion, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, which can significantly impact mental health. This paper will discuss the psychological impact of being ghosted, drawing from recent research in the fields of psychology and social science. Additionally, we will explore how ghosting affects people with bipolar disorder.

The Emotional Impact of Ghosting

Being ghosted can have significant emotional consequences, including feelings of confusion, anxiety, and depression. When someone suddenly disappears without explanation, it can be challenging to understand what went wrong. This confusion can lead to self-doubt and questioning one’s self-worth. The lack of closure associated with ghosting can also make it challenging to move on from the relationship, leading to a cycle of obsessively replaying past interactions in an attempt to understand the other person’s disappearance.

Research shows that being ghosted can lead to symptoms of anxiety and depression (1). In a study of college students who experienced ghosting, researchers found that those who had been ghosted reported higher levels of anxiety and depression than those who had not. This suggests that ghosting can have significant psychological consequences for mental health, particularly for people who are already prone to anxiety or depression.

The Role of Technology in Ghosting

In recent years, technology has played a significant role in the phenomenon of ghosting. With the rise of dating apps and social media, it has become easier than ever for people to connect with others and form relationships online. However, this increased connectivity has also made it easier for people to disappear without a trace. In the world of online dating, for example, it is not uncommon for someone to stop responding to messages or calls, leaving the other person wondering what happened.

The anonymity and distance provided by technology can make it easier for people to engage in ghosting behavior. Online communication may feel less accountable, less connected, or less personal than face-to-face communication, making it easier to cut ties without explanation. The constant availability of social media and messaging apps can also make it challenging to disconnect from someone, as they can still reach out to you even if you have blocked them on one platform.

Recovering from Ghosting

While being ghosted can be emotionally traumatic, it is possible to recover from this experience and move on. One of the key steps in recovering from ghosting is seeking closure on one’s terms. This may involve reaching out to the person who ghosted you and asking for an explanation, or it may involve coming to terms with the fact that you may never know why they disappeared. Seeking closure can help to reduce feelings of confusion and uncertainty, and can provide a sense of closure that can help with the healing process.

Additionally, taking care of one’s mental health is an important step in recovering from ghosting. This may involve seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor, particularly if you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. It is also important to engage in self-care activities that can help to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness practices, or spending time with supportive friends and family.

Ghosting and Bipolar Disorder

Ghosting can have a severe impact on people with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings that can range from manic to depressive episodes. Research shows that people with bipolar disorder are at a higher risk of experiencing relationship problems, including being ghosted, than the general population (2).

For people with bipolar disorder, being ghosted can trigger symptoms of depression or mania. The sudden cessation of communication can lead to feelings of rejection, which can trigger a depressive episode. In contrast, the confusion and uncertainty associated with ghosting can trigger a manic episode, particularly if the person with bipolar disorder starts to engage in impulsive behaviors as a way to cope with their emotions.

Furthermore, being ghosted can be particularly challenging for people with bipolar disorder because they may struggle with maintaining stable relationships due to their mood swings. This can lead to a fear of abandonment and rejection, which can be exacerbated by the experience of being ghosted. Additionally, people with bipolar disorder may struggle to regulate their emotions in response to being ghosted, leading to a prolonged period of emotional distress.

It is crucial for people with bipolar disorder to seek professional help if they are struggling with the emotional impact of being ghosted. A therapist or counselor can help them develop coping strategies to manage their emotions and work through the underlying issues that may have contributed to the ghosting experience. It is also essential for them to engage in self-care activities that can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being, such as exercise, mindfulness practices, or spending time with supportive friends and family.

Conclusion

Ghosting can have significant psychological consequences for the person who is left behind, leading to feelings of confusion, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Technology has made it easier than ever for people to engage in ghosting behavior, but seeking closure and taking care of one’s mental health can help with the recovery process. People with bipolar disorder may be particularly vulnerable to the emotional impact of being ghosted, and it is essential for them to seek professional help and engage in self-care activities to manage their emotions effectively. Ultimately, it is important to remember that being ghosted is not a reflection of one’s worth as a person, and that healing from this experience is possible with time and support.

Sources:

LeFebvre, L. E. (2018). Ghosting: A mixed methods analysis. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 35(4), 539-560.
Reinares, M., Colom, F., Sánchez-Moreno, J., Torrent, C., Martínez-Arán, A., Comes, M.,… & Vieta, E. (2008). Impact of caregiver group psychoeducation on the course and outcome of bipolar patients in remission: A randomized controlled trial. Bipolar Disorders, 10(4), 511-519.
Suppes, T., Leverich, G. S., Keck Jr, P. E., Nolen, W. A., Denicoff, K. D., Altshuler, L. L.,… & Kupka, R. W. (2001). The Stanley Foundation Bipolar Treatment Outcome Network. I. Longitudinal methodology. Journal of Affective Disorders, 67(1-3), 33-44.
Yen, C. F., Hsu, C. C., Liu, J. S., Huang, C. F., Ko, C. H., & Yen, J. Y. (2015). Risk factors for relationship problems in bipolar disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 172, 367-371.
Yatham, L. N., Kennedy, S. H., Parikh, S. V., Schaffer, A., Beaulieu, S., O’Donovan, C.,… & Berk, M. (2018). Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) and International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) 2018 guidelines for the management of patients with bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disorders, 20(2), 97-170.

Your First Real Heartbreak, Can it be Fatal?

March 3, 2014 / esfein / Leave a comment

Heartbreak: my ache-y, brake-y, heart…
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Heartbreak, happens, all the time. We have all been there before. We have all bled our hearts out, hurt until we couldn’t bear it anymore, and cried ourselves to sleep over lost love. Some of us even restort to alcohal, using it to battle against the emotional surge that accompanies heartbreak. As we binge we try to forget that person that hurt us…

“No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief” – Faraaz Kazi.

What about the heartbreak we experience after the loss of a loved one? Is it possible to get so stressed and emotionally disheveled that our lives are at risk?

New research has surfaced showing that the grief of losing a loved one doubles heart attack risks within 30 days of the loved one’s passing. Contrary to popular belief, our physical health is in fact at risk right after heartbreak or loss.

Dr. Sunil Shah, co-author of study, says

We think it is important that doctors, friends and family are aware of this increase risk of heart attacks and strokes so they can ensure care and support is as good as possible at a time of increased vulnerability before and after loss of a loved one.

The study concerns mostly individuals aged 60 to 89, but what if there is some underlying increase in health problems after each heartbreak starting from a young age? What if those three long term relationships that ended in heartbreak will lead to a string of health problems in the future? More importantly, what about everyone else going through relationship problems and experiencing anxiety over a heartbreak?

“Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation” – Kahlil Gibran.

Of course, there is a way to help your situation even before heartbreak occurs.

Related Article: No Heart? No Pulse? No Problem!

Researchers at the University of Rochester found that having a romantic movie date night could be more helpful then attending couples therapy! Are you dating someone who is not emotionally open to you? Watch the funny comedy Date Night, have some laughs, and talk about the movie afterwords. Or watch something more serious like Gone With The Wind, where one of you is bound to cry and pour out all of your emotions. This could potentially be the key to avoiding future heartbreak.

The idea is that the time spent together and the discussions that ensue after watching a movie about a relationship will likely lead to healing and mending in your own relationship. If not, hopefully it leads to some romantic time together. (Giggity)

A movie is a nonthreatening way to get the conversation started,

says Ronald D. Rogge, associate professor of psychology at the University of Rochester.

It’s really exciting because it makes it so much easier to reach out to couples and help them strengthen their relationships on a wide scale.

The University of Rochester website provides interactive tools for couples as well as surveys and studies to participate in to help with their heartbreak woes!

If all else fails maybe it is time to move on….

“Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option” – Mark Twain.

Cheers to heartbreak!

Research:

JAMA Network: Increased Risk of Acute Cardiovascular Events After Partner Bereavement

University of Rochester

Good Reads: Kahlil Gibran

Good Reads: Faraaz Kazi

Good Reads: Mark Twain

University of Rochester: Divorce Rate Cut in Half for Couples Who Discussed Relationship Movies

University of Rochester: Couples Research

IMDB: Gone with the Wind (1939)

IMDB: Date Night

University of Rochester Faculty: Ronald D. Rogge

University of London: Dr. Sunil Shah

Youtube: Giggity Giggity, Giggity Goo

Wondergressive: No Heart? No Pulse? No Problem!

The Extraordinary Benefits of Magic Mushrooms

September 14, 2012 / esfein / 1 Comment

Researchers have found time and time again that the majority of people who ingest a psychedelic substance like psilocybin (one of the major psychoactive constituents in magic mushrooms) experience long lasting, and extremely positive personality changes.

If you have ever ingested these awe-filled spores, or know anyone that has, you have probably heard them say the term “set and setting.” This means that the expereince of the “trip” depends entirely upon the set (a person’s personality, their desires, their emotional stability, their beliefs, etc.) and the setting (where you are, who you are with, the time of day). Altering any one variable completely changes the experience overall. I like to call it “self-chemistry.”

Researchers are now realizing with greater understanding that ‘set and setting’ isn’t just hippie jargon, it’s a science. People with the highest levels of absorption, or “a person’s tendency to have episodes of “total” attention where a person’s awareness is fully engaged in whatever has their interest,” seem to have the most life changing and beneficial experiences while under the effect of mushrooms. Absorption is directly related to the personality trait openness, “which relates to a person’s receptiveness to new ideas and experiences.”

A study focusing on varying levels of absorption and openness in people found that “people who experienced what the researchers described as a “complete mystical experience” developed increased openness to experience whereas those who did not have such an experience had no increase in openness. People who are more open to their inner experience seem more likely to have a mystical experience and those who have a mystical experience tend to become more open as a result.” The more open you are, the more open you will become. The study also noted that although modern research has found that personality change, be it positive or negative, in adults over 30, is almost never observed. Psilocybin, however, is able to affect and alter personality in adults of any age with effects lasting more than a year after the experience.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is one of the leading centers of research on psilocybin. Throughout their studies they have found that ingesting the substance creates “positive changes in attitudes, mood, life satisfaction, and behavior that persist for more than a year”

In one study, Johns Hopkins found that “94 percent of the study’s 18 participants rated their experiences with psilocybin as among the top five most or as the top most spiritually significant experience of his or her life at a 14-month follow-up. Eighty-four percent also reported positive changes in their behaviors, changes like improved relationships with family and others, increased physical and psychological self-care, and increased devotion to spiritual practice, which were corroborated by family members and others.”

One of the participants in the test even stated that “I feel that I relate better in my marriage, there is more empathy – a greater understanding of people and understanding their difficulties and less judgment.”

Most participants described their experience as ‘pleasurable’ or ‘ineffably beautiful.’

As a note, the most profound and long lasting effects were found to occur in participants who had experienced a low dosage of the chemical before ingesting larger dosages.

The studies have found minimal physical side effects, ranging from “a brief increase in blood pressure and a small increase in levels of thyroid-stimulating-hormone (TSH), prolactin, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone.” None of the side effects were considered dangerous by professional medical staff.

The staff concluded that “psilocybin is remarkably non-toxic to the bodyʼs organ systems.”

The study does mention that it is important that a “sitter,” or a person who is not ingesting the substance, be present. This person should be someone that the person ingesting the substance trusts and can depend on if they begin to experience anxiety. There were people in the study who experienced brief fear and anxiety, but all of the negative experiences were abated immediately with gentleness and by simply having a trusting person present.

Improved marriage
No age dependence
Increased empathy
Greater openness
Positive and long-lasting personality alterations
Improved creativity
Less judgement
Greater understanding
A greater feeling of connectedness
Therapeutic
No health risks
No danger
Proven effectiveness
Pleasurable
Ineffably beautiful

What are you waiting for?

The Extraordinary Benefits of Psilocybin in Magic Mushrooms

September 14, 2012 / esfein / 2 Comments

http://www.whoaorno.com

Researchers are now realizing with greater understanding that ‘set and setting’ isn’t just hippie jargon, it’s a science. People with the highest levels of absorption, or a person’s tendency to experiencing complete attention, where a person’s awareness is fully engaged in whatever is holding their interest, seem to have the most life changing and beneficial experiences while under the effect of magic mushrooms. Absorption is directly related to the personality trait openness, which relates to a person’s receptiveness to new ideas and experiences.

A study focusing on varying levels of absorption and openness in people found that

people who experienced what the researchers described as a ‘complete mystical experience’ developed increased openness to experience whereas those who did not have such an experience had no increase in openness. People who are more open to their inner experience seem more likely to have a mystical experience and those who have a mystical experience tend to become more open as a result.

The more willing you are to change, the more open you will become. The study also noted that although positive or negative personality change in adults over 30 is almost never observed, psilocybin has the profound ability to affect and alter personality in adults of any age with effects lasting more than a year after the experience.

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is one of the leading centers of research on psilocybin. Throughout their studies they have found that ingesting psilocybin even once creates profound

positive changes in attitudes, mood, life satisfaction, and behavior that persist for more than a year.

In one study, Johns Hopkins found that

94 percent of the study’s 18 participants rated their experiences with psilocybin as among the top five most or as the top most spiritually significant experience of his or her life at a 14-month follow-up. 84 percent also reported positive changes in their behaviors, changes like improved relationships with family and others, increased physical and psychological self-care, and increased devotion to spiritual practice, which were corroborated by family members and others.

One of the participants in the test even stated that

I feel that I relate better in my marriage, there is more empathy – a greater understanding of people and understanding their difficulties and less judgment.

Most participants described their experience as ‘pleasurable’ or ‘ineffably beautiful.’

As a note, the most profound and long lasting effects were found to occur in participants who had experienced a low dosage of the chemical before ingesting larger dosages.

The studies have found minimal physical side effects, ranging from

a brief increase in blood pressure and a small increase in levels of thyroid-stimulating-hormone (TSH), prolactin, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone.

None of the side effects were considered dangerous by professional medical staff.

The staff concluded that