Like many mental disorders, bipolar disorder tends to get a skewed view when people don't know enough about it to make any sound decisions or even statements. Some still believe that just because someone is bipolar that they are "crazy." But this is simply not true and once people understand the facts and fallacies about bipolar disorder, they can be more understanding and knowledgeable should they ever come face to face with the disorder.
There are many myths still permeating the world of mental illness, and bipolar disorder has plenty surrounding it. Knowing which facts are true and which are only masquerading as facts can help you break through to grasp what bipolar disorder is really like and how it actually affects people.
Being bipolar and having mood swings are the same thing.
There is a huge difference between people who have mood swings and people who suffer from bipolar disorder. Being happy in one moment and upset in the next does not qualify for bipolar disorder. Being bipolar means dealing with much stronger emotions for a much longer period of time. There is no hard and fast switch from one mood to the next with bipolar. Instead, a person may fall into a depression for days or even weeks at a time. They may lose interest in things they loved or feel unable to cope with everyday situations. Likewise, when they finally slip out of depression and go into a manic phase, they are not having a good time. They may feel euphoric at first, but this can quickly get out of control to the point that they feel they have no power over their thoughts. People with the disorder should not be written off as simply having mood swings.
Bipolar disorder is not rare.
False. Bipolar disorder is actually much more common than most people think. On average about 5.7 million people are affected with the disorder in any given year. The majority of those with bipolar disorder are over 18 because diagnosing children younger is much more difficult. Still that does not mean that teens and children cannot have bipolar disorder.
You go from very happy to very sad with bipolar disorder.
This is one of the more common misconceptions about bipolar disorder. People think that just because someone fluctuates from a depressed state to a manic state that they are doing from sad to happy. However, these phases affect people in different ways, and while depression can include some sadness, there is more to it than that. The manic phase is also extremely different than from being very happy. Manic behavior can include everything from being overly excited, irritable, edgy, and other feelings. There can be a time when they are in a euphoric mood and be happy, but often this may shift into something else.
People with bipolar disorder can have trouble controlling their thoughts and actions, and doctors have found that those going into a manic state tend to get frightened because of this. People can lose sleep, have trouble focusing, and their job life and personal life can suffer greatly.
There is no test for bipolar disorder.
True. In 2008 there was an uproar involving a home order bipolar test kit that claimed to tell people whether or not they had bipolar disorder. However, all it actually did was evaluate saliva samples for a gene that is associated with the disorder, but not whether or not they actually have the disorder. Instead, you need to visit with a professional to find out. Doctors gather a full patient history that include their past and present symptoms and family history. This will let them have a complete picture in order for them to decide whether or not you have bipolar disorder.
Educate yourself on bipolar disorder so you can better help those you know who may have the disorder or speak with your doctor if you suspect that you have bipolar disorder. This is the era of knowledge, so there is no reason to continue on in the dark or with misconceptions about bipolar disorder.
There are many myths still permeating the world of mental illness, and bipolar disorder has plenty surrounding it. Knowing which facts are true and which are only masquerading as facts can help you break through to grasp what bipolar disorder is really like and how it actually affects people.
Being bipolar and having mood swings are the same thing.
There is a huge difference between people who have mood swings and people who suffer from bipolar disorder. Being happy in one moment and upset in the next does not qualify for bipolar disorder. Being bipolar means dealing with much stronger emotions for a much longer period of time. There is no hard and fast switch from one mood to the next with bipolar. Instead, a person may fall into a depression for days or even weeks at a time. They may lose interest in things they loved or feel unable to cope with everyday situations. Likewise, when they finally slip out of depression and go into a manic phase, they are not having a good time. They may feel euphoric at first, but this can quickly get out of control to the point that they feel they have no power over their thoughts. People with the disorder should not be written off as simply having mood swings.
Bipolar disorder is not rare.
False. Bipolar disorder is actually much more common than most people think. On average about 5.7 million people are affected with the disorder in any given year. The majority of those with bipolar disorder are over 18 because diagnosing children younger is much more difficult. Still that does not mean that teens and children cannot have bipolar disorder.
You go from very happy to very sad with bipolar disorder.
This is one of the more common misconceptions about bipolar disorder. People think that just because someone fluctuates from a depressed state to a manic state that they are doing from sad to happy. However, these phases affect people in different ways, and while depression can include some sadness, there is more to it than that. The manic phase is also extremely different than from being very happy. Manic behavior can include everything from being overly excited, irritable, edgy, and other feelings. There can be a time when they are in a euphoric mood and be happy, but often this may shift into something else.
People with bipolar disorder can have trouble controlling their thoughts and actions, and doctors have found that those going into a manic state tend to get frightened because of this. People can lose sleep, have trouble focusing, and their job life and personal life can suffer greatly.
There is no test for bipolar disorder.
True. In 2008 there was an uproar involving a home order bipolar test kit that claimed to tell people whether or not they had bipolar disorder. However, all it actually did was evaluate saliva samples for a gene that is associated with the disorder, but not whether or not they actually have the disorder. Instead, you need to visit with a professional to find out. Doctors gather a full patient history that include their past and present symptoms and family history. This will let them have a complete picture in order for them to decide whether or not you have bipolar disorder.
Educate yourself on bipolar disorder so you can better help those you know who may have the disorder or speak with your doctor if you suspect that you have bipolar disorder. This is the era of knowledge, so there is no reason to continue on in the dark or with misconceptions about bipolar disorder.
About the Author:
Affinity is one of the leading bipolar treatment centers which provides a full range of therapeutic care services to its clients.
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