4 Myths About Bipolar Disorder
Even though bipolar disorder affects 1 in 50 people, there are still lots of myths about bipolar about.
Let's get a few straightened out.
Let’s get a few myths about bipolar disorder straightened out.
Even though bipolar disorder affects about 1 in 50 people , there are still lots of myths about this mental illness around.
Bipolar disorder used to be known as manic depression, and causes extreme mood swings including emotional highs, as well as extreme lows, mania and depression.
These mood swings come in cycles which can last days, weeks or even months.
Myth1. Mania is awesome fun
This is a common misconception and in fact some people with mania do tend to feel euphoric, get lots done, and have endless energy.
Sound fun,no? It's not really.
Many people are actually frightened when they go into mania and feel like they are out of control.
People can be reckless without realising it and can do things that are out of character or very risky.
They can go days without sleep, spend all their savings on a shopping spree or at the casino, abuse alcohol or drugs, etc.
Myth2. You can get bipolar by drinking alcohol and taking drugs
The exact cause of bipolar is unknown and experts believe several factors are at play, but not drugs or alcohol.
That said, while drugs and alcohol don't cause bipolar they can certainly trigger episodes.
People with bipolar often also use drinking and drugs, but this can actually worsen the highs and lows and prolong episodes.
And remember, although drugs and alcohol can't cause bipolar, there is evidence that substance abuse can increase the risk of other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, and of course can also have other health risks.
Myth3. People with bipolar are just moody
We all have mood changes depending on life's swings and roundabouts, or even those little things called hormones.
But it's important to know that bipolar episodes are very different to normal ups and downs.
For one thing, the highs and lows are a lot more extreme, and they can last for weeks or even months.
This can also make it difficult to function day to day such as at work.
How people with bipolar are feeling also doesn't necessarily make sense in the context of what’s going on around them.
Some people experience emotions such as uncontrollable crying or excessive happiness without a cause.
Myth4. Kids and teens can't have bipolar
While most people aren't diagnosed until their teens or later, it's possible for children of any age to have bipolar.
Bipolar can be hard to diagnose in children, as kids all have rough patches and times when they feel down, irritated, rebellious, angry, or hyperactive, and this is just a part of growing up.
Also ADHD, anxiety, and depression can cause bipolar symptoms, which also makes diagnosis more difficult.