11 Bipolar Disorder Myths You Should Know
This post may contain editorial samples and/or affiliate links. We earn a commission on your sales.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can be difficult to understand. There are many bipolar myths and misconceptions in the world, which makes it even more challenging for people with bipolar disorder to get the help they need. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common bipolar disorder myths and explain what bipolar disorder really is.
Table of Contents
What are the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Many people who have bipolar disorder will experience some symptoms that are similar to those of major depression and other mood disorders. These symptoms might include:
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Energy changes, such as feeling suddenly slowed down in the morning after a sleepless night; increased energy at bedtime
- Excessive fatigue or hypersomnia (sleeping too much) without the usual feeling of restfulness that follows sleep; insomnia (difficulty sleeping at night)
- Changes in appetite
Other symptoms of bipolar disorder are similar to those of the manic phase:
- Extreme mood swings, meaning a person’s mood can change from one extreme (such as feeling very happy or sad) to another
- Increased activity levels and energy
- Agitation or behaving in ways that are risky for themselves or others.
These symptoms might include feeling that they don’t need sleep, talking very fast or in an exciting way about a lot of different topics, and engaging in high-risk activities
- Distractibility.
This might show as a distraction by people or things around them; for example, the person is unable to focus on conversations with others because their attention is drawn away by other things.
- Impulsiveness
Examples are spending sprees or sexual indiscretions that are regretted later on.
The symptoms of bipolar disorder can vary wildly from one person to the next and can also change over time for people with this condition.
11 Bipolar Disorder myths you should know
Bipolar Disorder Myths 1
Bipolar disorder is just a mood swing.
Fact: bipolar disorder is not “just” a mood swing and can be very dangerous if left untreated. People with bipolar disorder have cycles of highs (mania) and lows (depression). When you experience mania, it’s typical to feel on top of the world, like everything is going your way and you’re unstoppable. This can lead to risky behavior that is often detrimental, such as binge spending or promiscuous sex. Mania can also make it difficult for bipolar people to sleep which leads to irritability, anxiety, and/or panic attacks.
When experiencing depression, on the other hand, bipolar patients may feel hopelessness and helplessness. They may also experience thoughts of suicide and/or lack the energy to complete everyday tasks like bathing, getting dressed, or preparing food.
Bipolar Disorder Myths 2
Bipolar disorder is only diagnosed when someone has a psychotic episode.
Fact: bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose due to many bipolar symptoms being similar to those experienced in other mental health conditions. It can be hard to tell bipolar disorder apart from other types of mental illnesses like depression or anxiety, which is why bipolar patients are often initially misdiagnosed and not given the proper treatment they need.
Bipolar Disorder Myths 3
Bipolar disorder affects only teenagers.
Fact: bipolar disorder does not have any age limit – it may affect people of all ages. Bipolar disorder is the leading cause of disability in young people, with bipolar disorder patients ages 16-25 being more likely to experience bipolar symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder Myths 4
Bipolar means you have a split personality.
Fact: bipolar does not mean that someone has multiple personalities and it’s important to remember this when educating others about bipolar disorder. Having bipolar doesn’t mean you’re bipolar all the time, it just means that for a period of time during your life – usually between one to four episodes per year – bipolar symptoms will be present.
Bipolar Disorder Myths 5
Bipolar disorder is mainly inherited.
Fact: bipolar does have some genetic connections but there are also many other factors and environmental influences that can contribute to bipolar disorder, such as childhood abuse or trauma.
Bipolar Disorder Myths 6
Bipolar disorder is not a real illness.
Fact: bipolar disorder is very much a mental health condition that should be taken seriously and treated accordingly. Bipolar patients are more likely to have severe symptoms than other types of mood disorders like depression or anxiety because bipolar has an unpredictable course with long periods of bipolar symptoms.
Bipolar Disorder Myths 7
Bipolar disorder can’t be cured.
Fact: bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness and there are many ways to treat it so that the patient feels better and has more control over their lives. Medication, therapy, exercise, diet changes, etc. all play an important role in treating bipolar diagnosis – with or without bipolar disorder, bipolar patients should be working on self-care and taking care of their mental health.
Bipolar Disorder Myths 8
Bipolar is a made-up illness to cover for drug abuse or laziness.
Fact: bipolar is an actual illness that can’t be cured but it can be treated with medication, therapy, exercise, diet changes – there are many ways to manage bipolar disorder and bipolar symptoms. It’s important to remember that bipolar patients are in a delicate position because they’re likely dealing with the stigma associated with their diagnosis, as well as the fear of being judged for having bipolar when just living life can be difficult enough due to bipolar condition.
Bipolar Disorder Myths 9
People who have bipolar disorder will never find love or get married.
Fact: bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition but it doesn’t have to mean that bipolar patients can never get married or find love, they just need to be willing and honest about their diagnosis with potential partners so there are no misconceptions about when the relationship begins. It’s also important for bipolar people themselves remember this because shame often contributes to bipolar depression and bipolar anxiety, which can make bipolar symptoms worse.
Bipolar Disorder Myths 10
Bipolar disorder only affects adults.
Fact: bipolar disorder is often diagnosed in children as well – they just might not have been old enough to remember the first time it happened yet because bipolar episodes usually occur during puberty or early adulthood. There are approximately 11% of adolescents with bipolar disorder in the US, which is higher than most other psychiatric disorders.
Bipolar Disorder Myths 11
Bipolar is a mental illness you get from drug abuse or alcoholism.
Fact: there are many other factors contributing to a bipolar disorder like childhood trauma or abuse, bipolar is a lifelong condition and bipolar disorder can be managed with medication, therapy, exercise – it’s not something that someone “gets” from another person.
Natural remedies for Bipolar Disorder
My husband has Bipolar and does not like to take his prescribed medication. He does not like the severe side effects he experiences. They can also not find a regiment that helps him long-term.
Bipolar struggles and triggers can vary slightly from person to person. It is important to recognize the symptoms you or a loved one experience.
Some people choose to try natural remedies to treat their Bipolar. It is important to remember that medication and natural remedies only help to treat your symptoms. There is no cure for Bipolar.
- Eat well.
Include lots of vegetables and fruits in your diet, as they are rich sources of vitamins and minerals that play an important role in bipolar disorder treatment.
- Try light therapy.
Exposure to natural sunlight can help alleviate bipolar depression symptoms by affecting the body’s sleep cycle or regulating moods during bipolar manic episodes. If you live somewhere that does not always have a great source of natural sunlight, you can purchase a light therapy lamp.
- Exercise.
Regular exercise can improve bipolar disorder symptoms and also help you sleep better at night.
- Join a support group.
Support groups provide valuable information, encouragement, understanding, and advice on bipolar disorder treatment that is tailored to your unique needs as an individual with bipolar disorder. A great online resource for finding a support group in your area is NAMI.
- Avoid substance abuse during bipolar manic episodes or depressions.
Some people like to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. This will make symptoms worse and lead to more serious consequences down the road.
- Keep a bipolar disorder journal.
Many people find that keeping track of their bipolar symptoms is an effective way to understand and manage bipolar disorder triggers, which can help reduce the severity or frequency of bipolar episodes.
What is the most common treatment for bipolar disorder?
The most common treatment for bipolar disorder is medication. Some of the medications, such as Lithium and Depakote, are mood stabilizers that help balance highs and lows in a person’s brain chemistry. Other drugs, like antidepressants or antipsychotics (medications used to treat psychosis), may be prescribed if someone has an episode with depression, anxiety, or other conditions.
Medication can help with mood stability and reduce the risk of relapse for many people with bipolar type II disorder. For those who have been diagnosed with severe depression or a mixed state (manic symptoms as well), medication is often necessary to stabilize their condition before considering psychotherapy.
As I mentioned, my husband has Bipolar. It is not always easy to date someone with Bipolar, or to be married to them. It is an adjustment but Bipolar does not have to rule your life. You can live a happy and successful life.
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that, when given the right treatment can be managed. With proper diagnosis and medication, people with bipolar disorder are able to live fulfilling lives. The content of this blog post has been designed to provide an overview for those who have recently received this life-changing news or for those who may know someone who has bipolar disorder.
This post serves as a basic introduction to the subject of bipolar disorder and some common myths about this condition. This is not meant to provide medical advice or be taken as such, but rather just an overview of what it means to have bipolar disorder and dispel any misconceptions that may exist around this topic.
Follow Me On Social Media:
