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Mental Health Focus: Bipolar Disorder, Misconception vs. Fact
The Mental Health Program at Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB) provides counseling and psychiatric services for individuals and families. New clients are welcome and immediate in-person and telehealth appointments are available. This article is part of an ongoing educational series focused on common mental health challenges, treatment techniques, and helpful tips.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability in the world and affects about 2.6 percent of American adults each year. Bipolar disorder can be a scary diagnosis due in part to a lack of understanding about the condition. However, it’s important to realize that bipolar disorder is very treatable with the right combination of medication and counseling.
Let’s discuss what bipolar disorder is, common misconceptions, symptoms of bipolar disorder, and what to do if you or a loved one is showing symptoms.
What is bipolar disorder?
Like depression, bipolar disorder is a mood disorder, but with extreme, dramatic swings of emotion, from periods of high energy and activity, or mania, to periods of low depression. Bipolar disorder can make it difficult to perform at work or school, maintain relationships, and complete routine tasks.
“The mania side of bipolar disorder is marked by impulsivity,” said Staela Keegan, MSW, LCSW, LCADC, Senior Clinical Supervisor of the Mental Health Program at NFSB. “Someone might go out and shop compulsively or go on a gambling binge. They might feel a sense of grandiosity and invincibility. But mania can sort of coexist with the depressive side, which can be very severe, sometimes to the point where a person loses touch with reality.”
What are common misconceptions about bipolar disorder?
“They’re just moody.”
Everybody can be moody. You wake up in a great mood. Something happens that puts you in a bad mood by lunchtime, but you feel better by bedtime. The severity and duration of these highs and lows are far more severe for someone with bipolar disorder, which can affect daily functioning.
“They’re using drugs.”
Many factors are believed to contribute to bipolar disorder, including genetics, brain chemistry, stress, and trauma, but substance use is not one of them. However, substance use can certainly have a negative impact on a person with bipolar disorder.
“Drugs and alcohol use can make bipolar disorder worse,” Staela said. “It can also mask the symptoms. If someone feels depressed, they might drink too much. If they feel manic with high energy, they might smoke marijuana or take medication to calm down. Substance use can definitely have an impact on bipolar disorder, but it’s not the cause.”
“They can’t function normally.”
Bipolar disorder can lead to poor judgment, impulsivity, and even violence, self-harm, criminal activity, and suicidal thoughts. It’s a serious condition. However, many people with bipolar disorder live fulfilling, successful lives with the right treatment.
What are common symptoms of bipolar disorder?
As noted previously, bipolar disorder is marked by extreme periods of highs and lows. Symptoms experienced during a manic period may include:
- Boundless energy and excessive activity
- Irritability
- Fearlessness
- Racing thoughts
- Extreme elation and silliness
- Poor sleep
- Poor judgment
Symptoms experienced during a depressive episode may include:
- Prolonged periods of sadness and/or hopelessness
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep
- Changes in appetite, causing noticeable weight gain or loss
- Loss of energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Negative thoughts about oneself, such as worthlessness, guilt, and failure
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
What should you do if you suspect you or a loved one has bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is treatable with medication and psychotherapy. Being able to recognize the symptoms so you can discuss them with your doctor or therapist is a critical first step.
“A mood stabilizer is often prescribed, sometimes with an antidepressant,” Staela said. “Psychotherapy plays an important part in bipolar disorder treatment. Building a relationship with a counselor and feeling comfortable enough to say, for example, that you’re worried because you haven’t slept in three days is important. Also, gaining awareness of triggers can help you head off bipolar episodes.”
In counseling, your therapist will typically provide psychoeducation on bipolar disorder. They’ll discuss how bipolar disorder presents itself, common symptoms and triggers, how to keep stress levels low, and the importance of building a support network.
Bipolar disorder typically requires ongoing care with both medication for managing symptoms and therapy for monitoring and discussing symptoms. For example, people often relapse because they feel better and stop taking medication, causing symptoms to reemerge.
There’s nothing wrong with asking your doctor about the possibility of adjusting your prescription, and blood testing can tell you if medication is working. However, someone with bipolar disorder should not stop taking medication until they’ve had that conversation with their doctor.
Again, bipolar disorder is not a life sentence. Help is available, and you don’t have to struggle with bipolar disorder on your own. Proper treatment can help you lead a happy, healthy, and rewarding life.
If you or a loved one is showing signs of bipolar disorder, schedule an appointment at NFSB. New clients are welcome and immediate in-person and telehealth appointments are available. English- and Spanish-speaking counselors are ready to help and we’ll always respect your privacy. Call 973-667-1884 extension 1.
