Content Warning: This blog contains information about suicide. 

Everyone has mood swings. Whether it’s a bout of road rage, a job rejection, or negative feedback that you weren’t expecting, you might feel down for a few hours or even a day. But eventually your lousy mood tapers off, and your brain finds stability again.

For mood disorders like bipolar disorder, these moods aren’t just a slight inconvenience; they tend to cut deeper, last much longer, and impact a person’s ability to function. Also, unlike a typical swing with a known cause and appropriate mood change, mood episodes in bipolar disorder don’t always have a known cause. 

Bipolar disorder is characterized by unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration, which includes prolonged periods of mania (abnormally elevated moods) and prolonged periods of intense depression.

Because of its complexity and unpredictability, bipolar disorder is one of the most socially stigmatized mental health conditions. Serious mental illnesses like bipolar disorder also tend to be associated with higher levels of self-stigma and internalized shame which create barriers too recovery and often lead to depression and suicidal ideation. 

Below, we’ve debunked four of the most common misconceptions.

Myth: It’s a predictable mood swing.

Fact: Manic and depressive episode cycles do not have set timelines or any predictability. While some people’s cycling between episodes is consistent, others report dramatic and unpredictable cycles. 

Research has shown brain stimulation from using substances or alcohol, seasonal changes, hormonal changes, viral infections, high levels of stress, and lack of sleep can trigger cycles of mania. 

Depressive episodes can also vary in intensity in the same person, with depressive symptoms ranging from general disinterest and disengagement in life to suicidality. Studies show the rate of suicide among people who have bipolar disorder is approximately 10 to 30 times higher than those who do not have bipolar disorder. An estimated 20% of those suffering from bipolar disorder – mostly untreated – end their lives by suicide.

Myth: The symptoms are the same for everyone.

Fact: Like other serious mental health conditions like eating disorders and personality disorders, bipolar disorder symptoms vary in each person and in each type. The three types are bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymia.

Bipolar I is the most severe form of bipolar disorder, with manic episodes that can last more than seven days and depressive episodes, sometimes stretching to two weeks or longer. On the more severe end of the bipolar I spectrum, manic episodes can be accompanied by episodes of psychosis or a disconnection from reality.

Bipolar II, on the other hand, has depressive episodes, but its defining feature is hypomanic episodes, which is a milder version of mania that typically lasts for a shorter period.

Cyclothymia is similar to bipolar II, but the symptoms are less severe where there is not a full hypomanic or major depressive episode. Cyclothymia tends to be the least common form of bipolar disorder.

Myth: The cycle of mania is harmless and can even be beneficial. 

Fact: Mania is the defining characteristic of bipolar disorder. It’s like life in turbo mode with “main character” syndrome: increased energy, decreased need for sleep, high sex drive, feelings of euphoria, and high self-esteem. 

While those symptoms may seem harmless or even enjoyable, manic episodes are marked with more impulsivity, risk-taking, rage, multitasking at a fast pace, increased need to talk, or making irrational, permanent changes. 

These choices can lead to devastating consequences like strain on relationships or job loss. Some examples of behavior during a manic episode include:

• Spending money on unaffordable luxuries 

• Gambling recklessly 

• Intense irritability that results in lashing out 

• Getting a drastic makeover or a tattoo

• Quitting a job with no backup plan

• Excessive sexual thoughts or behaviors and going to great lengths for sex

• Jumping all in on a new, unrealistic hobby 

Manic and hypomanic episodes are far from harmless. If you or a loved one has experienced episodes of mania, it’s essential to seek medical and psychiatric care immediately. 

Myth: It’s a phase that you grow out of.

Fact: Bipolar disorder is a serious and complex mental health condition with no evidence that people grow out of it. In the same way you wouldn’t grow out of a physical illness like heart disease, you won’t grow out of a serious mental illness, either. 

People with bipolar disorder are more likely to suffer from other conditions, including anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, ADHD (especially in children), and personality disorders.

Since it can impact a person’s life so dramatically and tends to be paired with other mental health conditions, taking it seriously is much more important. Medication like mood stabilizers and antipsychotics can help alleviate the symptoms of bipolar disorder, though it’s critical to work closely with a psychiatrist to ensure effectiveness. 

In addition to medication, therapeutic approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy have been shown to reduce the severity of mania and depression because of their focus on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Some people may find it helpful to engage in group therapy, involve a support network of friends and family, and avoid alcohol and other substances since they can be triggers.

Octave has hundreds of therapists trained in approaches to effectively treat bipolar disorder. 

Resources

If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are resources for 24/7, free and confidential support, suicide prevention resources, and education around mental health illnesses.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 

Call 988

Crisis Text Line

Text from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor.  Every texter is connected with a Crisis Counselor, a real-life human being trained to bring texters from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening and collaborative problem solving. 

Text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor.

Full List of Suicide Prevention Resources provided by American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Find resources for suicide prevention for your or someone you know.