Time to Bust the Myths about Bipolar Disorder!
Bipolar disorder is a very serious mental illness that affects a significant portion of the British population. People with this condition experience extreme mood swings that tend to affect all aspects of life – work, education, family, as well as personal and social relationships. For years, studies have been conducted to understand the nature of bipolar disorder, its symptoms, and potential treatments. While much has been discovered about this debilitating brain disease, many myths still persist.
Incorrect information and false beliefs about bipolar disorder is a huge barrier towards the treatment and recovery of patients. So, let’s take time to know the most common misconceptions about this mental illness and the truth behind them.
Myths about Bipolar Disorder:
Bipolar Disorder is entirely different from Depression
Despite the fact that they are both serious mental problems, many people believe that bipolar disorder is far different from depression. But according to experts, they have commonalities. Dr Francis Mondimore at John Hopkins, say that patients who believe this myth may oppose the diagnosis of their physicians if they don’t experience full-blown manic depressive symptoms, and may also resist taking medications for bipolar disorder. He said it’s best to think of depression and bipolar disorder as two ends of a spectrum of illness.
Medication is the only available form of treatment for bipolar disorder.
While medications can alleviate the debilitating symptoms of this mental illness, they are not enough to completely help patients recover. This myth makes people forget about the important roles of lifestyle and diet in managing the condition. Experts recommend exercising, meditating, avoiding alcohol and drugs, observing quality sleep, and properly managing stress to beat the occurrence of bipolar disorder.
Recovery from a severe depressive episode is quick.
Many people believe that after a severe episode of bipolar disorder, the patient can easily go back on track and live normally. Unfortunately, this is just a myth. Just as you don’t get easily recovered after being hospitalised for a car accident, you also don’t expect your body to recuperate faster after a major depressive episode. It takes time. Again, management is the key to speed up the patient’s recovery.
People with bipolar disorder experience extreme shifts in mood.
Some patients experience a dramatic mood swing followed by a reduction in the symptoms. But this is not always the case. There are patients who still experience less severe yet significant mood swings in between major depressive episodes.
Managing bipolar disorder is easy.
People who don’t have the illness may find it hard to understand that bipolar disorder is such a serious condition and that coping with unpredictable mood swings is easy. But the truth is – it’s not. Bipolar disorder causes physical changes in the brain that make it hard for a person to manage his or her emotions.
BUT HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS: Bipolar disorder is highly treatable. If you or someone you know suffers from this mental illness, it is important that you seek guidance from a professional therapist. Managing this condition can be easy but it all starts by being fully informed.
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