6 Common Myths about Bipolar Disorder | HealthyPlace

There are so many myths about bipolar disorder and that’s what fuels bipolar stigma. Those bipolar myths also prevent those of us living with bipolar disorder from getting the help we need and allowing us to feel good about ourselves.

I hope you’ll watch the video because I’m breaking down those myths about bipolar disorder and sharing how they affect our lives.

The 6 most common myths about bipolar disorder are:

Bipolar Myth #1: Bipolar Disorder is just mood swings.
Bipolar Myth #2: People with bipolar are violent.
Bipolar Myth #3: Bipolar disorder is rare.
Bipolar Myth #4: People with bipolar disorder can’t work.
Bipolar Myth #5: Bipolar disorder cannot be passed down genetically.
Bipolar Myth #6: Bipolar disorder is curable by eating healthier and exercising.

I know when I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder these myths persuaded me to believe that I was alone and incapable of doing anything with my life. These myths about people with bipolar disorder prevent us from getting treatment, getting jobs and living useful lives.

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MORE INFORMATION ON BIPOLAR MYTHS and MISCONCEPTIONS

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[johnfagan]

2 and half years ago I was diagnosed as with Bi-polar 1, Adhd, interpersonally sensitive with high intelligence and PTSD with explosive anger in addition to hypervigilance. The insane thing is I didn't even know what all things diagnoses were or even ment. I am also an addict in recovery. The Mental health facility is also an outpatient clinic. I instantly started meeting with the psychiatrist also MSW. Learning about all of these insane diagnoses I have. I wasn't sure is I was fixable. I went there because I was having anxiety and I couldn't walk into a grocery store. A friend of gave me a half of zanix. All of a sudden I was able to walk into Walmart with no worries. Low and behold it turns out how I felt like I am living in a world that I don't belong in. I have like since I was a child I didn't belong anywhere. When I would get high on coke or meth with alcohol and weed and this cocktail I felt like I could survive in this world another day. Many of appts. With Dr. Therapists group therapy. A total of almost 2 years worth except 2 month run in which the first meds I was put on threw me into a bi polar depression and I did the only thing I learn to cope this is I got high in which elevated me into hypo Manic to manic. I came back on the end of a 2 month relapse and got back on meds I put myself in inpatient treatment which local so I could go to the Mental Health Clinic in the evenings for my mental health. Since it has been a journey if discovery in who I am and what I am. Last July my Clinic offered me a job as a Receptionist and in 6 months I would start practicing as a C.A.D.C.R. AS OF last week I am no longer a Receptionist but I am a Clinician with my own office. It still blows me away I get to work for the same place that has helped me and made me feel like I wasn't crazy or actually showed me everyone is crazy we just have different levels of crazy and it's subject to change with anyone.

[scottedmondson]

Just looking through mental illness, I have complex PTSD and MDD . You are very brave to speak out, about your problem. Many people think that we with PTSD are ready to take up a gun and kill. My PTSD is from seeing innocent folks killed or severely injured. The last thing I would ever want to do is hurt someone.They are in my thoughts and dreams. I can’t get them out of my head.

[Cdice]

Hey Hanna, I just want to tell that that watching your videos have really helped me in several different ways.
And I want to thank u. Since my bipolar 2 diagnosis 4 yrs ago I have w put up all my walls and was scared to death to make any new friendships. Your videos let me start a new friendship and soon afterwards shared the fact I have bipolar disorder . It was scary but freeing and thank goodness she has accepted me and being able to b vulnerable has deepened friendship even more. It’s a step in right direction!
You courage has washed over me and I just don’t feel ashamed like I did for so long. Pls don’t ever stop telling your story.. you are so so inspiring. 💫

[staceychance]

Hi Hannah, I love you and your videos, thank you for all you do. 💕 Just a side note I’m a rapid cycler, I can be different in the same day, it usually about every 4 or 5 days though. (The way you described is much more common.) Rapid cycling is so frustrating, makes it really hard to plan or accomplish things, you can fall apart at any second even when you think you are doing fine that day or that morning.
I feel like I’m the only one, but I was actually relieved by my diagnosis. After searching for 14 years with no success of any treatments or meds working, I was at the point of giving up on life. My diagnosis gave me HUGE relief because I was not functional at the time. Finding out there might be other treatments/meds, gave me hope. Knowing what was going on with me made me feel like there was a reason I couldn’t stop it or make it go away with my own willpower. I always felt it was all my fault, I did everything humanly possible to help myself and nothing worked. I’m doing much better and more functional, since finding out. (I know my story is not the norm, just wanted to share.) 😊

[AutomaticDuck]

My parents and friends think it's a myth that I even have bipolar disorder.

[johnfagan]

My name is John and I was diagnosed as bi-polar 2 years ago. 42 years of my life I didn't know what was wrong with me. I have been learning to cope it and channel my energy to do good things. Is this platform where people talk. I would love to have more understand to what bi-polar is

[makeupobsessedemx]

I have suffered with depression for over 20 years and after doing research I believe I may have bipolar disorder. Your videos are helpful thank you. I'm looking for answers.

[FreeMeLife]

When someone thinks its a mindset and its all in our head to use as an excuse.

[paulstope]

I've gotten: drug addict; because our drugs could knock out a horse, keep eyes on spouse and children; because we have an out of control sex drive. clepto/steal money because of the symptoms they hear. 'schizo jr.' because they think bipolar is a mild form of schizophrenia. These are things I hear people say to each other at gatherings or on the street etc. And yet, people wonder why we don't tell (including myself) everyone about our diagnosis. If it wasn't almost criminal it would be laughable.

[GreenAndTheToe]

I have bipolar 2 disorder. The meth I don’t like hearing is “go to the park and walk.” I sort of understand older generation saying not taking meds is possible and it should be done. Mental illness wasn’t discussed like today. But it’s important for everyone to know that it is “an illness”. Our body is lacking the things everyone else have. This is a frustrating topic isn’t it Hannah?

[ohmwaterfalls]

I hate it when people talk about the weather being "so bipolar" when it is unpredictable. And so many other little things like that. Just the assumption that if you have Bipolar disorder you are crazy and always overemotional even when the emotion is warranted for any individual, not just someone with bipolar. Like every fight in the family, any drama with friends, I get blamed for it. Always.

[louisruffin]

Most of my lows are caused by triggers. Triggers that I try hard to avoid

[johnsari]

Hannah, I am BP1 Rapid Cycling and can shift moods more than once in one day. Just an FYI

[makingit]

I’m fully treated but am unable to work a job but I do the Mr mom at home. I’m bp1

[unidentifiable]

Idk your description sounds like me a bit but I cannot tell. My parents say I might be and i have looked it up and the descriptions sound like what I do but I’m not sure if anyone in my family has it, my Dad might have had it. Also too scared to talk to anyone cause I feel like I can’t describe it. But I just want to know if Bipolar disorder does not have to be passed down?


Sorry about my english I’m germane.

[rhondar]

I'm crazy and nothing I say has much value unless I'm agreeing. Or because I have bipolar if anything goes wrong or I get I'm sad that people don't value my boundaries or if I don't like the way something happens it's all in my mind because what they're doing is perfectly okay. I've got it all wrong because I have a mental illness making their actions right. Even if I'm honest with people praying for me I'm thought of different

[jaimeviolet]

Hannah, Are so on with myths, I know my bipolar, I am not a violation person, it so true. They did same to me when I had bipolar, because I have a cousin who has bipolar, both side of my family, more dad’s side family there a of history of mental health issues. There is no cure for bipolar, all can Hope that medication u are will last a long time .

[deathtrip]

there are not only 2 types of bipolar disorder. bipolar disorder spectrum must be taken first of all. you have to evaluate bipolar disorder in a scale. I have not typical bipolar disorder! so?!

i have bipolar disorder unspecified???

[makingit]

I have not heard any new videos this week. Are you ok?

[Moana_moo]

I don’t have Bipolar(at least not diagnosed) but I’m pretty emotional unstable. But anyway I’m only “violent” towards my phone😂😂😂. I tend to throw it around when angry