The woman’s silhouette is a powerful symbol of strength and resilience. But for many individuals living with bipolar disorder, this silhouette has been overshadowed by harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. With approximately one million people in the UK living with bipolar, it’s time to shine a light on this often misunderstood condition and the incredible people who defy its stereotypes.
According to Bipolar UK, there are more people with bipolar in the UK than with dementia. Yet despite its prevalence, it seems that society still doesn’t fully understand the realities of living with the condition. In fact, a staggering 84% of people with bipolar say they believe society lacks understanding about the disorder.
Simon Kitchen, CEO of Bipolar UK, states, “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.”
To shed light on some of these harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, we spoke to “SS” (not her real name), a mother and individual living with bipolar who defies society’s preconceived notions about the condition. Here are the top myths she wants to dispel and the truths she wants to share about her experience with bipolar.
1) “Bipolar is just mood swings”
For many people, their only exposure to bipolar is through sensationalized media portrayals, often depicting individuals with the condition as constantly oscillating between euphoric highs and dangerous lows. But for SS, this depiction couldn’t be further from the truth.
“I had no knowledge of bipolar other than what you see on TV or in movies,” she shares. “I just thought it was snap mood swings and that’s, that’s what it was.” SS adds that phrases like “he has a touch of bipolar” or “the weather is bipolar” only reinforce this misconception.
But as she came to learn, bipolar is a complex and varied condition. Her form of bipolar type two is characterized by depressive states for extended periods of time, as well as hypomania rather than the more commonly portrayed mania. SS also didn’t realize that there are actually two types of bipolar, with different symptoms and experiences for each. Bipolar UK’s website offers valuable resources and insights on both types for those seeking to learn more.
2) “Bipolar is always easy to spot”
Perhaps one of the most damaging myths about bipolar is the association with dangerous and violent behavior. This idea has been perpetuated by the media and society, despite research indicating that individuals with bipolar are actually more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators.
For SS, who has managed to thrive in her career, be an excellent parent, and live without debilitating symptoms for years, this stereotype has led to some frustrating assumptions. She recalls a former colleague who had previously worked with individuals with bipolar telling her that her diagnosis was incorrect.
“My go-to phrase is, but I’m not ‘Kanye West bipolar’,” SS says. She adds that individuals with depression or anxiety don’t always need such disclaimers, but for those with bipolar, they are often necessary. “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 states that while there is no known cure for bipolar, it is possible to live well with the condition through proper medication, support, and workplace adjustments. SS admits that she was initially thrown by her diagnosis, feeling like her life was over. “I was like, Oh my God…you know, it’s a lifelong condition.”
But for her, obtaining proper medication and support has been a game-changer. “I’ve never been so on top of things before in my life,” she shares. When asked if there was anything she wanted to share about her experience that wasn’t asked, SS wanted to reassure those who may be newly diagnosed. “Bipolar is not a death sentence,” she affirms.
She adds, “You can live an incredibly full life with [bipolar], one that’s filled with purpose and power.” And while it’s not always easy, SS says it’s very much worth it.
For those seeking help and support for bipolar, Bipolar UK offers a Peer Support Line on 0333 323
