Tag Archives: major depressive disorder

The general stigma surrounding mental illness, and in particular bipolar disorder, has created a balloon of misinformation that has only increased people’s fear of seeking treatment. So what we are left with is convoluted beliefs regarding mental illness in general.

In turn, many myths have been created around bipolar disorder and the facts have been twisted or swept under the rug.

So let’s talk about some of the facts and myths associated with bipolar disorder, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness.

Myth: People with bipolar disorder are just moody.

Fact: The extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder are vastly different from mood swings.

Myth: Bipolar disorder is mostly mania.

Fact: Bipolar disorder features a wide range of disturbances, including mania, hypomania, and depression.

Myth: Mania is always fun and exciting.

Fact: When someone is manic, they may feel good and have lots of energy. However, mania can also be an unpleasant experience, marked by irritability, restlessness, impulsivity, and loss of self control.

Myth: People can stop taking their medication once their bipolar disorder is under control.

Fact: People with bipolar disorder take medications that also act preventively to help stave off future manic or depressive episodes

Myth: Bipolar disorder is super rare.

Fact: Bipolar disorder is more common than one may think. Approximately 7 million U.S. adults have experienced bipolar disorder in the past year.

Myth: The highs and lows happen in regular cycles.

Fact: Bipolar disorder can be unpredictable. Some people may feel manic and depressed at the same time and not on any certain schedule.

Myth: There is a test that can be done to diagnose someone with bipolar disorder.

Fact: There is no single test that shows for sure one might have bipolar disorder. One would have to see a doctor and a psychiatrist regularly, combined with lab work and said person’s medical history.

Myth: There’s no way to treat bipolar disorder.

Fact: Although there is no cure for bipolar disorder, it can be treated and managed with medication and psychotherapy.

Myth: Stress isn’t a factor.

Fact: Stress is one of the biggest triggers for a bipolar episode or symptoms.

If you have bipolar disorder, it’s important to know the effects of the disorder. Separate facts from fantasy regarding an illness that is already shrouded in so much myth and mystery.

The stigma surrounding mental illness can be so overwhelming that it can cause many people who are truly suffering to be too scared or ashamed to seek out help. The statistics are even scarier. I touched on quite a few in my last post, but I feel this is information that bears repeating.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 2.7% of the U.S. population suffers from bipolar disorder. Of the population that is affected by this particular disorder, 82.9% will suffer from severe impairments, more so than with any other mood disorder.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness has discovered similar facts through extensive research. Although there is no one particular cause of bipolar disorder, researchers and doctors posit that a number of factors could play a role. Those with a close relative with the disorder, especially a parent, are more likely to develop this disorder. Trauma can sometimes be a trigger for the disorder to manifest itself. The abuse of drugs and/or alcohol can also possibly be a trigger.

People with bipolar disorder have a 9.2% less life expectancy, making the average age for people with the disorder between 55-66. This is partly due to the high suicide rates of people suffering from bipolar disorder.

Approximately 19% of people with the disorder will commit suicide. This is one of those facts that bears repeating.

That in of itself should be alarming to anyone and everyone.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34, according to NAMI. The suicide death of a person with bipolar disorder accounts for approximately 12% of all suicides.

There is an article written by Michael G. Pipich, entitled “Bipolar Disorder and Suicide: What 12,000 Lives Can Teach Us”. Pipich, a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s Degree, also suffers from bipolar disorder. However, he makes a great point when it comes to this specific issue.

The article focused on the need “to learn the lessons of poor bipolar care before it’s too late.” Approximately 12,000 people with bipolar disorder commit suicide every year. Again, just another shocking reality.

He also touched upon the shame and fear of treatment a person has due to the stigma around the illness. In fact, he said that may be the main cause of the enormous amount of suicides we see every year. 12,000 people out of a “group” of nearly 7 million kill themselves every year. Every year. That’s insane. And it’s insane that people who don’t have a mental illness don’t recognize the serious need for proper treatment for those that do.

I refuse to feel ashamed of who I am.

And that’s all I can say.