Debunking Common Myths About Bipolar Disorder

Advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to gain access to information with the touch of a finger. Unfortunately, getting facts you can rely on is not as easy, especially with mental health conditions like bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a fairly common condition, touching an estimated 4.4% of American adults at some point during their lifetime. However, many myths surrounding the disorder keep people from getting the help they need.

At Mind Space Wellness, LLC, Caroline Bjorkman, DO, strives to help people understand mental health disorders to reduce the stigma surrounding them. 

Here are a few common myths surrounding bipolar disorder that need debunking.

MYTH: Only certain people get bipolar disorder

One of the biggest myths surrounding bipolar disorder and most mental health conditions as a whole is that they only affect “certain” people.

In reality, bipolar disorder affects everyone equally, regardless of gender or walk of life. It touches every race, ethnic group, and socioeconomic class. 

But that doesn’t mean this disorder looks the same in everyone. That’s because there are multiple types of bipolar disorder, and they each have varying symptoms.

MYTH: Bipolar disorder makes you a maniac

People often associate bipolar disorder with emotional highs and lows. And it’s certainly true this condition can come with extreme mood swings, including mania and depression.

However, the frequency and intensity of these mood episodes can differ significantly from person to person. You can also have neutral moods when you live with bipolar disorder.

In fact, it’s common for mood episodes, including mania, to begin with mild symptoms that start to worsen with time. This progression can make it more difficult to detect an episode starting, which can delay treatment methods.

As a result, a major focus of bipolar disorder often involves helping an individual understand the signs of a mood episode. This approach ensures they can recognize themselves entering that state and take action as early as possible.

MYTH: You can’t lead a “normal” life with bipolar disorder

Don’t get us wrong — it isn’t easy living with any mental health condition, especially bipolar disorder. However, it doesn’t mean your life is over.

Instead, receiving a diagnosis is the first step to ensuring you can function and live a healthy and fulfilling life. It ensures you can get the personalized treatment you need to thrive.

Dr. Bjorkman uses several strategies to help her patients manage their bipolar disorder symptoms, including medications, talk therapy, and support groups. But it doesn’t stop there.

In addition to therapeutic approaches, Dr. Bjorkman also helps her patients incorporate healthy lifestyle habits that can help with bipolar disorder, such as:

• Practicing yoga and meditation
• Following a balanced, healthy diet 
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding substance use, including alcohol
• Establishing a consistent sleep schedule

Dr. Bjorkman can even make recommendations for severe bipolar symptoms that haven’t responded to other treatments, like electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

If you have bipolar disorder, don’t let the myths stand in your way. Dr. Bjorkman can eliminate the confusion surrounding your condition and help you find an effective treatment strategy moving forward.

Do you want to learn more about bipolar disorder? Contact Mind Space Wellness, LLC, by phone or online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bjorkman in Fort Lee, New Jersey, or the Upper West Side in New York City today.