Bipolar disorder is complicated. It’s also completely misunderstood, and often feared. This leads to stigma, which means that some people choose to suffer in shadows instead of seeking support from family, friends, and medical professionals.
It’s time to shed light on this complicated mental health condition. The better we understand it, the more productive the conversations we can have to ensure people with bipolar disorder receive the treatment they need to live happy, healthy, stable lives.
On the following slides, we bust 11 common myths about bipolar disorder—and hopefully some of the stigma surrounding it.
Myth #1: Bipolar Disorder Is Just Mood Swings
Fact: It’s perfectly natural to experience a range of emotions. But for people with bipolar disorder, intense and abruptly changing moods slingshot between deep depression and full mania.
“You can have weeks of sadness or indifference, followed by a flurry of impulsive behavior that sometimes becomes psychotic,” says Ami Baxi, M.D., a psychiatrist at Northwell Health in New York City. The psychosis phase can manifest as delusions, hallucinations, or other breaks from reality as well.
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Myth #2: Mania Means You Feel Really Happy
Fact: Mania is more than heightened happiness. It’s an extreme state of elevated energy and erratic behavior. During manic episodes, individuals may engage in reckless activities like excessive spending, substance use, or unsafe sexual behavior.
“Mania can make someone feel invincible, leading them to do things they’d never typically do,” says Dr. Baxi. Hypomania, a milder form of mania, can still lead to poor decision-making and strained relationships.
Myth #3: Bipolar Disorder Only Affects Mood
Fact: Bipolar disorder also impacts sleep, energy levels, and cognitive functions. You may experience extreme fatigue during depressive episodes and insomnia during manic phases. A study from the National Institute of Mental Health found that 95% of people with bipolar disorder also have other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or ADHD.
Myth #4: People With Bipolar Disorder Are Always Either Manic or Depressed
Fact: Many people with bipolar disorder spend most of their time in a stable mood state. While the condition is characterized by cycles between depression and mania, there are often long periods of stability between episodes.
“Many people with bipolar live in the middle of the spectrum,” says Anandhi Narasimhan, M.D., a clinical psychiatrist and neurologist in Los Angeles. They manage their moods effectively through treatment and lifestyle modifications (more on both later).
Myth #5: Bipolar Disorder Is Rare
Fact: Bipolar disorder affects 3.3% of women and 2.6% of men each year, and 4.4% of both genders during their lifetimes, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This equates to 45 million people worldwide managing the condition each year.
The disorder can present in different forms, including bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and unspecified bipolar. Each type has its own pattern of mood swings and severity.
Myth #6: Bipolar Disorder Only Affects Adults
Fact: Bipolar disorder often begins in adolescence or young adulthood. Symptoms can start as early as the teenage years.
“When you’re young, especially as a teenager, life changes can make it hard to differentiate between symptoms of bipolar disorder and normal developmental stages,” says Dr. Narasimhan. “Your life is changing in dramatic ways, so you may feel unstable in general.”
Myth #7: Bipolar Disorder Is Caused by a Bad Childhood
Fact: Bipolar disorder is primarily influenced by genetics and biology. Research suggests that the risk of developing bipolar disorder increases tenfold if a parent has the condition. Hormonal changes, stress, and other significant life events can trigger episodes, but they are not the root cause.
Myth #8: If You Have Bipolar Disorder, You Can’t Hold Down a Job or Maintain Relationships
Fact: With proper treatment and support, people with bipolar disorder lead fulfilling, stable, and productive lives. They can also have successful careers and relationships.
The condition does present challenges to work and relationships during manic and depressive episodes, says Dr. Baxi.
“Even mania—a so-called high—might leave someone feeling too restless or impulsive to show up to work,” she says.
Myth #9: People With Bipolar Disorder Are Violent or Dangerous
Fact: Most people with bipolar disorder are not violent. Misconceptions like this only perpetuate stigma and fear, making it difficult to feel comfortable seeking help. People with bipolar deserve understanding and empathy, not fear.
Myth #10: Bipolar Disorder Only Affects Emotional, Not Physical, Health
Fact: Bipolar disorder can have implications for physical health. Research has found that people with bipolar disorder have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s not the condition itself that raises risk. It’s the lifestyle decisions people with bipolar make around diet, exercise, and smoking.
Myth #11: Medication Alone Can Cure Bipolar Disorder
Fact: Successful treatment usually involves a combination of medication (such as mood stabilizers or antipsychotics) and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to help decrease depression symptoms and the severity of mania. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, proper sleep, and stress management also help.
It’s important that people with bipolar disorder not stop their medication without guidance from a medical professional. This can happen because the person feels so much better. But doing so can lead to relapse or more severe episodes.
Where to Find Help for Bipolar Disorder
Psychiatrists and psychologists who specialize in bipolar disorder can tailor treatment plans that may include mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and psychotherapy.
“What’s important when someone is struggling is that they know there’s someone they can trust,” says Dr. Narasimhan. “That’s essential for bipolar. This is a condition that is helped by a strong support team.”
With the right support and management, many individuals with bipolar disorder not only maintain stability but also thrive in their personal and professional lives.
Additional reporting by Christina Stiehl
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