Myth #1: Bipolar disorder is rare

This is in fact not true. 1 in 100 people are diagnosed  at some point in their life. Both women and men from all backgrounds are equally susceptible to it. These include type 1, 2 and Cyclothymia.

Myth #2: Bipolar disorder means having mood swings

Mood is not the only aspect that is subject to change during a manic or depressive episode. The level of energy, the type of behaviours people engage in and cognitive capabilities are also affected. As these are different for everyone, mood can play significant roles in the episodes and affect the other aspect of a person’s life but does not define mania or depression entirely.

Myth #3: Mania makes you fun and productive

The state of mania during an episode can interfere with daily activities. It is difficult to redirect to a state of relaxation and can lead to dangerous behaviour. Mania can cause engagement in risky behaviours, poor sleep and restlessness. These feelings are usually obvious and intrusive. Therefore, many would describe it as exhausting.

Myth #4: People with bipolar disorder are always manic or depressed

People suffering of Bipolar 2 or Cyclothymia may experience hypomanic episodes. These are periods with less severe symptoms. However, this differs from one’s normal state and is still obvious to people around a person who suffers of it.

Myth #5: Medication is the only treatment

Mood stabilisers are well known and commonly used medicine. These are used in order to prevents mania and depression and can be taken over long-term. Medicine can also be used to treat the symptoms of depression and mania as they appear. However, medication is not the only treatment.

Psychological treatments such as talking therapies can help managing the effects of the disorder on one’s life. In turn, this helps people learn how to recognise their triggers.

These, along with lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and sleep, can help minimise the negative outcomes on daily life.

Myth #6: Highs and lows happen in regular cycles

Highs and lows do not occur at regular times. They are influenced by individual triggers which are encountered and processes at different times. While very rapid changes between manic and depressive episodes can happen, these do not always last and change regularly.

Myth #7: Children can’t suffer of bipolar disorder

A lot of the times, symptoms that can suggest a child suffering of bipolar disorder might be caused by conditions such as ADHD, anxiety disorder and major depression. If the children show serious mood swings and behavioural changes and problems, they are likely to suffer of bipolar and a children specialist should be consulted. Children usually experience the symptoms in distinct episodes and return to usual behaviour in between.

Myth #8: It is impossible to help someone with bipolar

 The first step needed when helping someone who suffers of bipolar disorder is to learn about it. Secondly, it is very important to be patient, encouraging and understanding. This will help the person be resilient and continue in their treatment and management. Communication is also very important – learning each other’s limits and knowing when to intervene and how is essential in helping your loved one who suffers of bipolar.

Myth #9: Substance abuse causes bipolar

Unfortunately, an episode is not considered manic or hypomanic if the person showing the symptoms is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While these are not causing the disorder, they can make its symptoms worse and making treatment harder. This is especially true fro alcohol addicition.

Myth #10: Just an inability to control emotions

This condition is defined by the lack of control over the mood swings. These are exhausting and reduce a person’s quality of life. Being manic can put someone in danger and being in a depressive episode can reduce one’s productivity to the point of risking their profession and livelihood. Consequentially, no one should take ‘snap out of it’ as a solution to mental illness, especially bipolar disorder.

Myth #11: People with bipolar are aggressive and dangerous

More than anything, sufferers are dangerous to themselves as their intrusive thoughts can put them in harm’s way. Additionally, there has not be any direct relationship found between suffering of bipolar disorder and aggression. Stigmatising a community who is in need of support is harmful and can affect their treatment and day-to-day lives. Therefore, labelling people in such ways should be avoided