For World Bipolar Day, we’re breaking down the myths associated with the disorder to help eliminate the stigma. Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. One in fifty adult Australians will experience the disorder in a year.
Bipolar Myth: There is only one type of bipolar disorder
Fact: There are four main types of bipolar disorder.
- Bipolar disorder type I – at least one episode of mania (abnormally elevated mood or energy levels) and major depressive episodes (low mood, hopelessness, extreme sadness).
- Bipolar disorder type II – at least one hypomanic and major depressive episode, but no manic episodes.
- Cyclothymic disorder – brief periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms.
- Other forms of bipolar disorder – including substance/medication-induced; bipolar disorder due to another medical condition; and other specified or unspecified bipolar or related disorder.
Bipolar Myth: Bipolar disorder is just like having a typical mood swing
Fact: Bipolar disorder does cause changes to a person’s mood, but it is not like the normal ups and downs. The mood changes as a result of bipolar disorder are severe and long-lasting. It’s more than being in a good or bad mood; a person can experience severe depression or mania that often requires hospitalisation. These severe moods can last days or weeks and can start to affect a person’s daily life.
Bipolar Myth: Mania is fun and makes you more productive
Fact: When someone is experiencing mania they may go for days without sleep, feel overexcited, and have lots of energy. But during this time, they may also feel edgy, restless, not in control of their actions and start to take unnecessary risks, saying or doing outrageous things, and even believing they have special powers. Losing control of your actions can be very frightening for some people.
Bipolar Myth: Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is the same thing
Fact: Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can share some symptoms, but they are two different mental health disorders. Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings with at least one episode of mania or hypomania. Schizophrenia includes delusions and hallucinations. The defining symptoms of a person who has schizophrenia may also include thinking that impacts how they speak and communicate, and moving in an abnormal manner.
Bipolar Myth: People with bipolar disorder can’t work or lead normal lives
Fact: With effective treatment, people with bipolar disorder can lead healthy and productive lives. Treatment helps to reduce the occurrence and severity of manic and depressive episodes and may include a combination of medication and psychological therapies.
Visit the Black Dog Institute’s website for more information on bipolar disorder.
For further reading, please visit the World Bipolar Day website.
If you need someone to talk to, reach out to one of our counselling services: