Although we are learning more and more about mental health, there is still a stigma attached to talking about bipolar disorder. Stigma often stems from a lack of understanding of mental illness, leading to harmful assumptions and stereotypes.

To recognise World Bipolar Day on the 30th March 2022, we want to eliminate the stigma associated with bipolar disorder by debunking seven common misconceptions about bipolar.

Bipolar just means having mood swings

Fluctuations between feelings of happiness and sadness are a regular aspect of life. Most people experience mood swings on a weekly or even daily basis! Experiencing inconsistent moods might be unpleasant, but it is not the same as having bipolar disorder.

Bipolar is a serious illness categorised by alternating bouts of depression and elation. The feelings that come with bipolar are intense and prolonged and disturb daily life to a considerable degree. People with bipolar disorder can experience severe changes in energy, sleep, thinking, and behaviour due to their condition.

People with bipolar disorder frequently switch between manic and depressed moods

While a range of mood symptoms does exist within bipolar disorder, everyone experiences it differently. Some people have predominantly depressive episodes and only a few, mild symptoms of mania. Others can have symptoms for 10+ years before being diagnosed because their depressive or mania episodes are not prominent and get missed.

There needs to be clear, defined periods of elation and depression in a person's life to diagnose someone with bipolar disorder. Many people with bipolar go through periods of depression and elation over months, even years!

All bipolar disorders are the same

As with all mental illnesses, everyone experiences their symptoms differently. Some of the common symptoms of depression include fatigue, lack of energy, a lack of enjoyment and interest in things, and an unusually sad mood that lasts more than two weeks. Some common symptoms of elation include feeling motivated, impulsive, energetic, agitated, and 'high' and better than usual.

For more information on the symptoms and characteristics of Bipolar Disorder, check out the AWARE factsheet by clicking here.

People with bipolar are unpredictable and dangerous

One of the most harmful stigmas against people living with bipolar disorder is that their mental illness makes them dangerous individuals. However, this has little basis in reality.

Untreated mental illness can certainly be distressing in a person's life, but this does not automatically make someone with bipolar disorder violent.

Although it is possible for people living with bipolar disorder to experience violent episodes during elation, it is uncommon and often linked to alcohol and substance abuse. People experiencing mental ill-health are more of a danger to themselves than others.

It’s a rare disorder

It’s not!

About 1 in 50 people in the UK have bipolar, and it is one of the UK's most common long-term conditions, with almost as many people living with bipolar as cancer. The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it's the 6th leading cause of disability globally.

Diet and exercise will cure bipolar disorder

There is a significant information gap between the public regarding treatment and mental illness. Lifestyle changes like having a healthy diet, sleeping well, exercising regularly, and avoiding stress can undoubtedly contribute to less severe symptoms of bipolar disorder – but it is not a cure-all.

Other options such as medication and talking therapies are common forms of treatment for people with bipolar to manage their condition.

Having bipolar makes you creative and productive

Many people assume that elation is fun and that the 'high' emotions are always enjoyable, motivating, and euphoric. Although some people get positive feelings and an energy boost when they experience elation, many people are often overloaded with stress and experience unpleasant and uncomfortable feelings. Many people feel restless, irritable and out of control and find that they are exhausted when the elation phase ends.

Many authors, artists and creatives have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which gives the impression that individuals with bipolar should not seek treatment, so they do not ''hinder their creativity.'' The truth is that many people with bipolar do not experience clear thought patterns, and treatment might be able to help individuals be more organised in their through and expressions, allowing them to be more creative.

At AWARE, we believe that talking to others who know how you feel, is an important step in your journey to recovery. We have a network of peer-led support groups across Northern Ireland welcoming people living with depression, bipolar and anxiety, as well as their family members or carers. For more information on we can help, please visit www.aware-ni.org/lets-talk