Bipolar Disorder is one of the least talked about mental disorders. Due to that, there are many misconceptions about the disorder. Many believe that it is just another name for mood swings. But it is much more than that. And although millions of people suffer from it every year, many myths persist. To help end the stigma and lend better help and support to those with the condition, we’ve decided to clear about some of the top myths about the disorder.
Myth #1: Bipolar Disorder is just another label for mood swings
Bipolar Disorder can be characterized by the highs and lows that the person experiences. However, these are very different from mood swings. The highs and lows can be changes in activity, sleep, and energy, not just mood. Just because you wake up happy, become grumpy at breakfast, and then are happy again at lunch does not mean that you have bipolar disorder.
Myth #2: Bipolar Disorder is a dramatic illness
When picturing a person who is bipolar, one may think of someone that is often out of control happy or out of control sad. However, there are multiple types of bipolar that encompasses a level of energies and emotions.
There are two main types of bipolar illness, bipolar I and bipolar II. For bipolar I the periods of mania and depression are severe. On the other hand, if a person has bipolar II the depression may be severe but the mania is mild. A period of mania with bipolar II may actually result in higher productivity.
Myth #3: Bipolar Disorder is hard to treat
On the contrary, there are several effective treatments for this disorder. Some of the top treatments include education and stress management as well as increased self-care and problem solving skills.
Myth #4: Mania is always happy
Many may think of a manic period as particularly euphoric. However, it is often characterized as a period with hyper irritability, anger, and trouble sleeping. Sufferers can feel out of control. Therefore, even if a period of mania begins happily, it may not continue that way.
Myth #5: Those with the disorder aren’t reliable
The way that media displays the disorder is often the picture of someone out of control. However, with treatment and a great daily routine, those with the disorder can lead highly productive and successful lives. Perhaps we don’t hear about these people because they are afraid to share their experience out of fear of the stigma and judgement.
Additionally, it is important to know that bipolar disorder is treatable. With a combination of self-care, routine, therapy, and maybe medication, one can live with the disorder successfully
Think you may be bipolar?