Let’s get a few myths about bipolar disorder straightened out.
Even though bipolar disorder affects about 1 in 50 people , there are still lots of myths about this mental illness around.
Bipolar disorder used to be known as manic depression, and causes extreme mood swings including emotional highs, as well as extreme lows, mania and depression.
These mood swings come in cycles which can last days, weeks or even months.
Myth1. Mania is awesome fun
This is a common misconception and in fact some people with mania do tend to feel euphoric, get lots done, and have endless energy.
Sound fun,no? It's not really.
Many people are actually frightened when they go into mania and feel like they are out of control.
People can be reckless without realising it and can do things that are out of character or very risky.
They can go days without sleep, spend all their savings on a shopping spree or at the casino, abuse alcohol or drugs, etc.
Myth2. You can get bipolar by drinking alcohol and taking drugs
The exact cause of bipolar is unknown and experts believe several factors are at play, but not drugs or alcohol.
That said, while drugs and alcohol don't cause bipolar they can certainly trigger episodes.
People with bipolar often also use drinking and drugs, but this can actually worsen the highs and lows and prolong episodes.
And remember, although drugs and alcohol can't cause bipolar, there is evidence that substance abuse can increase the risk of other mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, and of course can also have other health risks.
