5 Myths About Bipolar
My passion is to break the stigma of mental health issues among fellow Christians. I’m here to help you live a life of purpose—in your relationship with God and with one another.
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Today we’re gonna talk about: 5 Myths About Bipolar
If you missed Bipolar 1 and 2—What’s the Difference? Be sure to check it out because that will give you a great foundation for what the definition of bipolar is and what symptoms you can expect.
There are always myths when it comes to mental illness. Many times we only have partial information, or you’ve seen some caricature of someone with mental illness in the media. That’s why it’s crucial to dispel these myths because if you’re struggling with Bipolar or have a loved one who is, misconceptions can be really damaging to recovery.
1. Bipolar is Not a Real Illness
Wrong: It’s Biological

2. People with Bipolar are Unsuccessful
Wrong: You can live an amazing and successful life with bipolar disorder. We are each created with a purpose by our creator and that will not be thwarted by an illness. The key is being committed to your routine of treatment.
3. If you have mood swings you’re “Bipolar”
Wrong: Please stop saying this. It perpetuates the stigma and the misunderstanding of the illness. Mood swings are a part of life and are not manic or hypo-manic episodes. Also, as a bonus: Don’t say the weather is “bipolar” when is changes multiple times during the day. Again, it reinforces the stigma. Remember, for adults: Manic episodes include moods lasting at least 7 days, that are more severe, abnormally elevated, and irritable. They interfere with how you function in your everyday life, in work, in relationships, or in school.
4. Bipolar is a rare illness
Wrong: According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder affects 5.7 million American adults. That’s 2.6% of the population.
5. Mania or Hypomania means you’re really happy
Wrong: Although people can start the manic or hypomanic phase feeling happy or euphoric, they rarely stay that way for long. It often morphs into an irritable, agitated, and edgy mood. You’re losing control of your thoughts and actions and often have trouble sleeping. This is not a happy feeling.
As you seek to learn more about this illness remember that you are not alone. God made you: body, mind, and spirit. He can heal and restore through physicians just as He can through miracles.
Scripture:
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth…John 16:13
We can trust in that.
What have learned today about bipolar disorder? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you.
Please subscribe for more videos. I’ll be sharing great tips and encouragement for whatever your facing—whether you’re struggling with mental illness or have a loved one who is.
Resources:
- The Bipolar Workbook: Tools for Controlling Your Mood Swings, by Monica Ramirez Basco
- The Bipolar Handbook: Real-Life Questions with Up-to-Date Answers, by Wes Burgess
- Treating Bipolar Disorder, by Ellen Frank
- The Psychoeducation Manual for Bipolar Disorder, by Eduard Vieta and Francesc Colom
- The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know, by David Miklowitz
- Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder, by Julie Fast
- psycheducation.org, Jim Phelps
- Pacific Bipolar Treatment Program in SW Portland, Dr. Shelly Getzlaf
- Rebecca Lomeland, LMHC, Lacamas Counseling in Camas, WA; 360-975-2842; Rebecca@lacamascounseling.com; lacamascounseling.com
- Request a Counselor through His Heart Foundation: https://hisheartfoundation.org/request-a-counselor-referral/
Please subscribe for videos on our Youtube Channel for our amazing resources. I’ll be sharing great tips and encouragement for whatever your facing—whether you’re fighting mental illness or have a loved one who is.