7 Myths of Bipolar Disorder
- “I don’t know why, but I’ve been having these massive mood swings of late. One day I’m happy, the next I’m sad. But then I’m okay again for a few days. Feels like I’m bipolar.”
- “He’s so bipolar. He changes his mind all the time.”
- “She’s not bipolar; she’s just being dramatic. She can easily control her emotions if she wants to.”
Misinformed statements like these, perpetuated by the media and individuals alike, are what have led to some serious misconceptions about bipolar disorder.
Many people mistakenly attribute normal mood swings or conflicts to bipolar disorder without fully understanding the condition.
One major difference between typical mood shifts and mood episodes caused by bipolar disorder can be seen when you try to change those moods. When someone is having a bipolar-related mood episode, you can’t just talk them out of it, no matter how much you try. On the other hand, if a person is experiencing a sudden change in mood due to getting hurt or missing a flight, they can generally be calmed down after a while.
That said, understanding bipolar disorder goes way beyond simple mood swings. It’s a complex mental health condition that requires careful diagnosis and management by qualified professionals.
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Ever used the phrase ‘those two are polar opposites’ when describing two people who are very different from each other? One’s an extrovert, the other an introvert. One is energetic, the other a silent type. Well, living with bipolar disorder is like having both those people living inside you, and they both show themselves at different times. Hence the name bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterised by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood swings can be severe and interfere with daily life. Needless to say, bipolar disorder can be a very difficult condition to live with.
Bipolar Disorder – Myths vs Facts
There are many myths surrounding bipolar disorder. Some of them are so common that they have created a false narrative around the condition, leading people to jump to some pretty misinformed conclusions. Let’s clear out some of these myths:
| MYTH | FACT |
| There is only one type of bipolar disorder. | One bipolar case can look very different from another. |
| The highs (mania) and lows (depression) of bipolar disorder occur in regular cycles. | Transitions from highs to lows can be long or short. Some even experience both at the same time. |
| There is no way to treat bipolar disorder. | Bipolar disorder can be managed using a combination of therapy and medication. |
| Mania feels like a super happy and fun time. | Mania can be seriously debilitating and may lead to impaired functioning or even hospitalisation. |
| There is a test to diagnose bipolar disorder. | There is no single test that shows for sure that you have bipolar disorder. |
| Kids can’t get bipolar disorder. | Kids and teenagers can also get bipolar disorder. |
| People with bipolar disorder always require hospitalisation. | People suffering from bipolar disorder do not always need a hospital. Their symptoms can be managed and even prevented. |
