BLOG

There have been numerous harmful stigmas associated with various mental illnesses over the years, but a handful has been as incorrectly portrayed as bipolar disorder. This continual misinformation oftentimes portrays a false picture of the basic characteristics of this disorder, adversely affecting those who have been diagnosed. This gives rise to myths and misconceptions and place unnecessary trouble on those affected with the condition to debunk many myths and educate those who have been fed with misinformation over the years. Due to the misinformation, those affected are often subjected to criticism, scrutiny and skepticism by friends and loved ones when their symptoms and effects are not same as is often (incorrectly) portrayed in literature and film.
 

Teachers in inclusive classrooms therefore must pursue student counselor training courses to have proper grasp over the subject and identify students in the classroom, if any. Also known as manic depression, by bipolar disorder, many understand it to be something that makes one volatile and unpredictable accompanied by mood swings. Yet, this particular widespread disorder encompasses so much more than poor emotional control. For starters distinct cycles of “mood swings” accompanied by manic highs and depressive lows can be devastating, isolating and exhausting at the same time. These changes in behaviors are often not as immediate as is widespread (switching from a manic high to a depressive low multiple times a day is extremely rare and often indicative of another mental health condition) and tend to last days or weeks at a time. These highs and lows affect the affected person’s mood, energy levels, physical health and, in some extreme cases, their ability to carry out daily tasks.
 

Below are the 3 common myths and facts associated with bipolar disorder.

• Myth: All people with bipolar disorder are the same.
• Fact: We all are different; the manner in which bipolar disorder affects diverse individuals varies and so do the symptoms and their extent. Among them, it has been found that only a small percentage of people with bipolar disease will experience “rapid cycling”. Here, a person with the disorder experiences four or more episodes of mania or depression in one year. Alongside, there are two main types of the disease: bipolar I and II.
  • Bipolar I disorder: Periods of severe mania and depression.
  • Bipolar II disorder: Involves less severe “hypomanic episodes” with chances of severe depression.
• Myth: Bipolar disorder is rare.
• Fact: Not really true! Personalities like Demi Lovato, Russel Brand and Catherine Zeta Jones suffer from Bipolar Disease. It’s estimated that up to 2.1% of the population will experience bipolar disorder in their lifetime. Rates of bipolar disorder are relatively equal between men and women, however it has been found to be more prevalent among:
  • Native American communities
  • People with lower education levels or socioeconomic status
  • People who were previously married
  • Young and middle-aged people  
• Myth: Bipolar disorder can be cured through diet and lifestyle changes.
• Fact: Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness for which there is currently no cure. However, there are many effective ways to manage and control the severity of this illness. It can, however, be kept under control with medication and various forms therapy; different forms of counseling from teachers with school counselor skills can also help keep symptoms at bay. Furthermore, stress coping practices like meditation, regulated sleep and exercise also helps to keep this in check.