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Myths About Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. Myths about the disorder abound.

  1. People With Bipolar Disorder Can't Parent

    • If your bipolar disorder is controlled through therapy, medication or knowing how to ride the highs and lows, you can be a very successful parent. You can get a lot done during manic times, and you can channel the silly impulsiveness into doing playful things with your kids.

    People With Bipolar Disorder Can't Work

    • While many people with bipolar disorder pursue creative professions, they also can be successful doctors, lawyers, teachers and anything else you can think of. Ted Turner and Winston Churchill reportedly have or had bipolar disorder.

    People With Bipolar Disorder Can't Have Relationships

    • Loving someone with bipolar disorder can be difficult, but so can loving the most stable person on Earth. If your partner understands the disorder, there's no reason you can't have a long-term, fulfilling relationship.

    Manic Phases are Happy Phases

    • Mania isn't necessarily the same as euphoria. Manic phases can be accompanied by a feeling of extreme happiness, but they also can be characterized by racing thoughts, agitation and extreme restlessness. Mania isn't nearly as fun as it sounds.

    The Depression is Debilitating

    • While the depressive phase of bipolar disorder can be debilitating, it isn't always the case. People with bipolar disorder often are quite capable of managing their symptoms and learn to work through the depression.

    Being Moody Means You Have Bipolar Disorder

    • Everyone experiences periods of highs and lows; mood changes are part of what makes you human. Bipolar disorder is different from regular moodiness or volatility in that the extremes can affect your life in a persistently negative way if left unrecognized and untreated.

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