'I Live With Bipolar – Here Are 3 Myths I’m Tired of Hearing'

Woman's silhouette (not the person mentioned in the story)I’ll admit that, despite knowing and loving multiple people with the condition, I had no idea that more people have bipolar than dementia in the UK. But, Bipolar UK tells me, that’s the case; there are “an estimated million+ people in the UK living with it – that’s one in 50,” the charity shared. Which makes the fact that 84% of people with bipolar say they believe society doesn’t understand the realities of living with the condition seem especially stark.Simon Kitchen, CEO of Bipolar UK, says: “Bipolar is unfortunately hugely misunderstood in society, with harmful stereotypes depicting those living with the condition as dangerous or erratic still common.“This creates damaging misconceptions about those living with the condition and their ability to lead ‘normal’ lives, maintain employment, and be in healthy relationships.” So, we spoke to “SS” (not their real name), a mother who the charity says is one of many people with bipolar who defy stereotypes about the condition, to ask which myths they’d like to disappear forever. 1) “Bipolar is just mood swings”SS has no idea she might have bipolar until the day of her diagnosis, partly because the condition doesn’t always look like she expected it to. “I had no knowledge of bipolar other than what you see on, you know, TV or and things like that... I just thought it was snap mood swings and that’s, that’s what it was,” she says.Phrases like “he has a touch of bipolar” and “the weather is bipolar” didn’t help, she adds.But her experience with bipolar type two, which left her in a “depressive state for almost a year” and caused hypomania rather than mania, was not what she had seen on screen.She was also not aware that there were two types of bipolar (and combinations of both types, one and two).These can cause different symptoms, with some presenting as more depressive and hypomanic and others showing more signs of mania alongside depression (Bipolar UK has a page about both types).bipolar mood scale2) “Bipolar is always easy to spot”Bipolar UK says that many associate bipolar with dangerous, violent people, though research has found individuals with bipolar are more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators.For SS, who has held down impressive jobs, won awards, successfully parented her child, and has gone years without debilitating symptoms, that stereotype has led to some frustrating assumptions.This includes a former colleague who had previously worked with bipolar people flat-out telling her that her bipolar diagnosis was incorrect. “My go-to phrase is, but I’m not ‘Kanye West bipolar’,” she says when sharing how she explains her condition – those with depression or anxiety thankfully don’t always need such caveats, she suggests.“While yes, some people with bipolar one or even bipolar two might have had a similar experience to what he goes through publicly, that’s not commonplace.”3) “Bipolar is a life sentence”Bipolar UK says that, “While there is no known cure, it is possible to live well with bipolar with the right medication, support and workplace adjustments.” SS admits that she was thrown by her diagnosis. “I kind of thought my life, my life was over. I was like, Oh my God... you know, it’s a lifelong condition.” But when I asked her if there was anything she wanted to share that I hadn’t asked about at the end of our interview, she told me she wanted to “reassure people who are maybe newly diagnosed that bipolar is not a death sentence.” Bipolar medication – which according to Bipolar UK should not be treated with “antidepressants without a mood stabiliser, as they can trigger harmful mood episodes” – was a game-changer for SS, though she was hesitant at first.“I’ve never been so on top of things before in my life,” SS said.She adds, “You know, you can live an incredibly full life with [bipolar] and one that’s filled with... purpose and power.” SS ends by saying that although it’s not always “easy” it’s “very much worth it”.Help and support:Bipolar UK, who offer a Peer Support Line on 0333 323 3880. You can also email [email protected], open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email [email protected] Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.Related...Why Do Horror Films Always Get Mental Health Wrong?Could It Be Bipolar? This Charity Can Help You Check Instantly7 Things People With Bipolar Disorder Want You To Know

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