The 30th of March marks an international initiative to spread more connection, solidarity and awareness around the lived experiences for someone with bipolar disorder. Having worked with bipolar in the community (outpatients) and hospitals (inpatients), I wish to take the opportunity this year to address the stereotypes I find problematic and inaccurate, to foster more awareness and rectify these common beliefs that we still hold.
Debunking Top Myths and Stereotypes
1. “Bipolar Type 1 is more severe than Bipolar Type 2.”
This myth is often confused by the differences in duration and intensity of the mood swings. Bipolar 1 is probably the Type that instantly comes to mind when we discuss Bipolarity, which happens in shorter periods but high intensity. In comparison to Bipolar Type 2, the person will experience more frequent and ongoing major depression, which increases feelings of hopelessness over longer periods of time.
However, just because Bipolar 2 does not cause mania and hospitalisations like Bipolar 1 does not mean that the symptoms are not just as debilitating for the person. In this sense, they are both serious in their respective nature.
2. “People with Bipolar have a borderline and multiple personality.”
Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder are frequently confused in our day-to-day language. They share some symptom-overlaps such as distinct periods of elevated and depressed mood with impulsivity.
However, while people with Bipolar may struggle in areas that are common for a personality disorder (e.g., interpersonal problems and emotion regulation), these issues occur because of the extreme periodic mood swings, but they disappear when the mood swings have stabilised. In Borderline Personality Disorder, these issues are pervasive and longstanding vulnerabilities with one’s personality itself, so they will not just sporadically disappear without professional support.
A “multiple personality” or Dissociative Identity Disorder, is also fundamentally different than Bipolar, where similar symptoms of negative and extreme moods is caused by complex trauma-symptoms and post-traumatic stress. In bipolar, the cyclic mood swings could look like “multiple personality shifts”, but they are not trauma-related in nature, and they happen often without any environmental triggers, which highlights a key difference as well.
3. “People with Bipolar just need medication.”
There exists well-documented research on medication as the cornerstone in managing the distinct periods of mood fluctuations. However, medication reluctance and refusal are not uncommon, as the side effects from medications can present with several undesired changes. For this reason, people with Bipolar often feel they are not heard and understood when there is an over-emphasis on medication. Lifestyle choices are equally as important, and limiting the intervention to only medication is simplistic and will not cover the full spectrum of treatment.
4. “People with Bipolar can’t live normal lives.”
Living a “normal life” is all about perception and mindset. For people with Bipolar, the extreme mood swings may feel like a curse, but if managed correctly, you can live a very fulfilled life, and there are so many high achievers out there who have likely become much stronger because of their Bipolar.
In reframing the mood swings, Bipolar causes you to form a special relationship with your mind and help you better understand your mood and how it affects you. In a strength-focused lens, this unique quality can foster wisdom and make you grow in many other areas of your life.
An Overlooked Area - Bipolar with Intellectual Disability
Although rare, recognising Bipolarity in someone with an intellectual disability has been a significantly overlooked area in the research community and general society. At ORS we are frequently supporting clients with different disabilities in the NDIS-space, and we wish to raise awareness to these participants and other community members with this particular lived experience.
There exists many additional barriers and challenges to this population, as they will present with additional symptoms that goes beyond the “traditional” Bipolar symptoms. Inherent communication deficits and limited cognitive abilities in intellectual disability makes it much more difficult for them to remember the importance of medication management and understand the impact of symptoms in their lives.
In the case of a manic episode, someone with a co-morbid intellectual disability may struggle to make sense of their hospital admission and be likely to find their hospital stay very traumatic and confusing. This confusion is further exacerbated by medical jargon whilst not fully recognising the impact of medication and lifestyle changes on their symptoms.
By raising awareness to this marginalised and very vulnerable group, we are hoping to help people with this lived experience feel more seen.
How ORS Can Support You
Bipolar Disorder will require different treatment for the different stages of the illness. While a proper diagnosis should be made by your physician first, our experienced Psychologists can support you with the ongoing psycho-social and lifestyle intervention as mentioned below:
- Psychological Treatment – A Psychologist can support you in managing the psycho-social impact of symptoms in your life, which may include mood monitoring, stress management, sleep routines, developing a relapse prevention plan, anger management, and managing interpersonal difficulties.
- Social Treatment – A Psychologist can support you and your family in providing some psychoeducation about impact of symptoms to ensure you can feel supported and better understood when experiencing frustration or confusion around mood fluctuations.
- Lifestyle Treatment – Fostering healthy lifestyle choices is a fundamental step to be proactive in mitigating manic episodes and psychotic symptoms. An Occupational Therapist and Dietitian can help you develop a plan for Exercise, Diet, Sleep, smoking cessation, ceasing drugs.
If you or a loved one are living with Bipolar Disorder and seeking guidance, our experienced team at ORS is here to help. From psychological treatment to lifestyle strategies, we provide tailored support to help you manage your mental health and thrive.
Call us now at 1800 000 677 or submit an enquiry online to connect with our caring professionals. You’re not alone — we’re here to support you every step of the way.
