Bipolar Disorder and the Myths Surrounding It

There are many myths, rumors and half truths surrounding bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one has this mental illness, you want to be sure that you don't believe everything you read or hear from every so-called expert who has written about the subject, placed his opinions on the internet or talks about it on television.

To help you more fully understand what bipolar disorder looks like to many individuals who suffer with it, I'm providing some facts. Some are true, others are merely myths.

1. Bipolar disorder causes both episodes of depression and mania.

Absolutely true. In fact, this is the very essential of the term, bipolar disorder. An individual suffering from this mental illness goes from one extreme of emotion to the other. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder an individual must have undergone at least four of these episodes in a year. Some individuals may have more episodes; others may eventually have less, especially while they are on their medications.

2. No individual with bipolar disorder can experience both mania and depression at the same time.

This is a myth. As puzzling as this may sound, this is not a myth, but a fact. The medical community calls this a mixed episode of bipolar disorder. During this time, individuals with bipolar disorder can feel experience the gamut of a manic episode: agitated, racing thoughts, difficulty remaining still. At the same time, the individual may also feel like his situation is hopeless, feel "down" and even suicidal.

3. Prescription medications are an essential tool in treating the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

True. It's becoming increasingly clear that prescription medications for bipolar disorder not only help to halt a manic episode but may also help prevent future episodes from occurring. That is the reason why doctors recommend those who suffer with bipolar disorder take their medications every single day, whether they are experiencing symptoms or not.

4. The individual with bipolar disorder is helpless in stopping an episode once it begins.

Another myth busted! We've already learned that just taking the medications themselves may help stop a manic or depressive episode of bipolar disorder. But beyond that there are various methods an individual with bipolar disorder can use to help relieve these symptoms. That's why so many doctors recommend individuals with bipolar disorder undergo psychotherapy.

5. The individual with bipolar disorder must discard all his career goals.

This is certainly a myth. And it's a myth no individual with bipolar disorder should buy into. There are plenty of people walking the streets today with bipolar disorder and holding down successful careers. Indeed, throughout history, some of the most successful people suffered from bipolar disorder. And they succeeded in all walks of life from business to art and everything in between.

6. An individual with bipolar disorder doesn't need the support of family and friends.

I certainly hope you recognize this one as wrong right from the start. Any person struggling with a serious illness, whether its heart disease or bipolar disorder, can always use the support of family, friends and loved ones.

7. If a person has bipolar disorder, he has to life a quite unassuming life and foregoes much of the excitement that others enjoy.

Yes, this is a myth too! It's a myth, in fact, that is far too common and too engrained in the minds of many. The individual with bipolar disorder need not relinquish his rights to an exciting life. It might mean that the person with bipolar disorder may have to assume a little more responsibility and exert some control at times. But there are few restrictions placed on a person with bipolar disorder when it comes to living a full life.