Bipolar Disorder: Busting Myths, Thriving, and Finding Help
Busting Bipolar Myths
There's a lot of misinformation out there about bipolar disorder, and it's time to set the record straight.
Myth 1: Bipolar is just mood swings.
Nope! It's way more intense. The mood shifts between mania (highs) and depression (lows) are much more extreme than typical ups and downs. It's not the same as being moody—it's a medical condition that affects daily life.
Myth 2: People with bipolar disorder are always manic or depressed.
Not true. Many people with bipolar disorder experience long periods of stability where they feel just fine. The idea that they're constantly bouncing between extremes is a big misconception.
Myth 3: It's super rare.
Actually, bipolar disorder is more common than you might think. It affects about 2.8% of adults in the U.S. every year. So if you know more than 100 people, odds are you've crossed paths with someone who has it!
The Complex Nature of Bipolar
Bipolar disorder is much more than “mood swings.”
It’s complex: a mental health disorder that involves significant shifts in mood episodes, energy, and behavior. These changes can include manic episodes where someone feels extremely “up,” energized, or irritable, as well as depressive episodes that involve deep sadness, fatigue, and hopelessness. In some cases, people experience a mixed episode, where symptoms of mania and depression happen at the same time (National Institute of Mental Health 2025).
While everyone experiences mood changes, the extremes in bipolar disorder are intense and disruptive, sometimes requiring hospitalization. As the National Institute of Mental Health explains:
“Everyone experiences ups and downs, but with bipolar disorder, the range of mood changes can be extreme. People with the disorder have manic episodes or unusually elevated moods… They might also have depressive episodes, in which they feel sad, indifferent, or hopeless, combined with a very low activity level and an inability to function.” (NIMH 2025)
Genetic Factors
One myth is that bipolar disorder is purely caused by life events or trauma, but genetics play a significant role. Research shows that bipolar disorder often runs in families, though no single gene causes it. According to the NIMH, “people with certain genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than others. Many genes are involved, and no one gene can cause the disorder.” (NIMH 2025).
Studies suggest that the lifetime risk for first-degree relatives of someone with bipolar disorder is around 5–10%, about seven times higher than in the general population (Rowland & Marwaha, 2018). However, genes alone don’t guarantee someone will develop the illness; environmental factors and life experiences also contribute.
Environmental Influences
Environmental factors are another crucial piece of the puzzle.
While bipolar disorder has a strong genetic component, external stressors, trauma, and life events can increase the risk of developing the disorder or triggering mood episodes. Research has shown that mistreatment in childhood is significantly associated with the later development of bipolar disorder—with emotional abuse being particularly impactful. One study found that “emotional abuse was four times more likely to have occurred in bipolar patients than in controls” (Rowland & Marwaha, 2018).
Other environmental triggers include major stressful events, substance use disorders, and even certain infections like Toxoplasma gondii, which has been linked to an increased risk of bipolar disorder in some studies (Rowland & Marwaha, 2018).
Psychological Aspects
Bipolar disorder is also intertwined with psychological factors. People often experience racing thoughts during manic episodes, which can make it hard to focus or sleep. Conversely, depressive episodes may bring feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or even suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar II disorder, for example, involves recurring depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, which are less intense than full-blown mania but still disruptive (NIMH 2025). Cyclothymic disorder, another form of bipolar, involves frequent mood changes that aren’t severe enough to meet criteria for full manic episodes or depressive episodes but still impact daily life (NIMH, 2025).
Importantly, many people with bipolar disorder experience periods of stability between mood episodes and can live full, productive lives with the right treatment plan. However, symptoms like hallucinations or delusions can occur during severe manic episodes or depressive episodes, adding another layer of complexity (NIMH 2025).
Thriving with Bipolar Disorder
Living with bipolar disorder can be tough, but with the right strategies and support, you can absolutely thrive. Here are some practical ways to manage it.
Strategies for Managing Symptoms
- Stay on top of meds and therapy:
Medication, like mood stabilizers or antipsychotics, is often a game-changer. Pair that with therapy, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and you've got some powerful tools for managing symptoms.
- Create a routine:
Keeping things steady can make a big difference. Regular sleep, meals, and daily habits can help balance mood swings. It's amazing what a set schedule can do!
- Track your moods:
Keeping tabs on your moods can help you notice patterns or triggers. Use an app like Moods or even a simple journal. That way, you can adjust your self-care or get help if things seem off.
- Build a solid support system:
Whether it's family, friends, or a support group, having people around who understand and support you makes a huge difference. Don't hesitate to lean on them when you need to.
Resources to Help You Out
If you're living with bipolar disorder (or supporting someone who is), there's a lot of help available:
- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness):NAMI is a great place to start for education, peer support, and guidance for both individuals and families. Checkout NAMI.
- DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance):DBSA focuses on bipolar and depression, offering peer support groups and wellness resources.Visit DBSA.
- International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF):IBPF has tons of resources, including webinars and educational materials, all geared toward supporting people with bipolar disorder. Visit IBPF.
Living with bipolar disorder might throw some challenges your way, but with the right tools, support, and mindset, it's totally possible to thrive. And remember: you're not alone in this. There's a whole community out there ready to help!