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7 Myths About Bipolar Disorder
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Myth #1: Bipolar disorder is rare
According to WedbMD, this is not true of bipolar disorder. The mental illness affects approximately 5.7 million American adults per year, as reported by the National Institute of Mental Health. This number equates to approximately 2.6 percent people 18 or older of the U.S population. Felix Renaud/PhotoSpin
Myth #2: Bipolar disorder is a fancy term for mood swings
Often, bipolar disorder gets dismissed as another term used to describe mood swings. However, the mood swings accompanied by bipolar disorder are very different. According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, these mood swings “can last hours, days, weeks, or even months.” These moods alternate from depression and mania, with depression being an extremely “down” mood and mania being an extremely “up” mood. Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
Myth #3: People with bipolar disorder shift constantly from depression to mania
Some people with bipolar disorder shift more often than others. But that is not the typical pattern, according to Gary Sachs, MD, director of the Bipolar Clinic and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Most people spend more time being depressed than being manic. Auremar/PhotoSpin
Myth #4: Medication is the only treatment
Although medication plays a vital role in treating bipolar disorder, it is not the only treatment that can be used. Adapting a healthy lifestyle regimen plays a vital role in the recovery process, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Diet, exercise and sleep, along with developing effective coping skills and having a support network, can benefit a person going through treatment. Andres Rodriguez/PhotoSpin
Myth #5: Bipolar disorder defines you as a person
A person can have bipolar disorder. They are not bipolar. As with any other mental illness, being diagnosed does not define the person. They are much more than their diagnosis. PS Productions/PhotoSpin
Myth #6: People with bipolar disorder can’t lead a normal life
Although living with bipolar disorder can be a challenge, it is not impossible. After a diagnosis is received, a person can regain control by learning as much as possible about the condition and being an active participant in the treatment process. According to Helpguide, a person can prevent a minor mood change from escalating into a “full-blown episode of mania or depression” by becoming aware of triggers and early-warning signs. Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
Myth #7: Reduced symptoms means low quality of life and perpetual tiredness
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, during the first stages of treatment the effects of medication may drain a patient, but these side effects tend to go away with time. A person’s full recovery is not solely focused on removing mood symptoms. It is also focused on bettering overall health and improving their ability to function. Side effects may persist, but these are usually minor, like mild hand tremors. Tags: bipolar disorder, myth, mood swings, mania, depression, slideshow Andres Rodriguez/PhotoSpin
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