Bipolar disorder, also commonly referred to as manic depression, has been receiving a lot of attention in the last decade or so, as more and more people are being diagnosed with the condition. Unfortunately, people use the word “bipolar” very casually, for just about anyone who they feel is happy one moment and sad the next; however, bipolar depression is a highly serious mental condition that has been known to wreck people’s lives. It is not just one person who is affected by this mental illness, but the patient’s family, friends, relatives and close associates are all affected in some way or the other.


On one hand the knowledge about this condition is increasing among people, there are several myths about bipolar depression too, that should be addressed and dispelled. Given below are a few common myths about bipolar depression among people, as well as the facts:

Myth 1: Bipolar Depression is a Rare Condition

Just because there are not many reported cases of bipolar depression, it does not mean that the condition is rare in people. In fact, data shows that this disorder affects more than 5. 5 million American adults, which is around 2.


5% of the total population in the United States. While the estimates for children and teens may vary, they are quite high too.

Myth 2: Bipolar Depression is Nothing more than Mood Swings

The mood swings experienced by people who have bipolar disorder are very different and a lot more severe than normal mood swings. Bipolar disorder mood swings are so intense that they could affect a person’s job, home, social life and relationships.

Myth 3: Bipolar Disorder is just a State of Mind that can be Improved by being Positive

Bipolar disorder is an actual mental illness, which requires treatment. People cannot just “snap out of it”, by changing their outlook towards life. Just like being positive does not cure diabetes, it cannot make bipolar depression disappear either. However, being positive does have a positive impact on a person’s health and therefore can enhance the treatment by improving the body’s response to it.

Myth 4: Bipolar Depression cannot be Diagnose till the Age of 18

It is more difficult to diagnose this condition in some people, as compared to others, but in truth, the age of a person does not really affect the diagnosis. Unfortunately, mood swings in children are very common, which is why parents may not realize that there is a problem. For example any typical child may be in the throes of a huge tantrum one minute, and the next he may be totally distracted by a toy. Therefore, when children suffering from bipolar depression exhibit such behavior, parents may chalk it down to “being a child”. Nevertheless, the truth is that many people have the symptoms of bipolar depression before they reach the age of 18, whether they are recognized or not.

Myth 5: Bipolar Depression Tests can be taken Online for a Self-Diagnosis

A couple of years ago, a bipolar depression test became very popular over the internet and also made the headlines. However, this test was not recognized by any institution in the US, as it only told people if they could possibly be suffering from the condition or not, without any real basis. In order to diagnose the condition, patients need to undergo a saliva test. At the same time, it is also essential for the doctor to evaluate the patient’s behavior and medical history, for a more accurate analysis.

Myth 6: People with Bipolar Depression should not Work

People with bipolar depression should try to lead a life that is as normal as possible. However, in order to be successful, they need to undergo long-term treatment, which can improve the quality of their lives, allowing them to work, study and socialize, just like normal people do. In fact, people suffering from bipolar depression have been known to hold positions of authority in several different fields.

Myth 7: Bipolar Depression is Caused by Alcohol and Drug Abuse

People who are suffering from bipolar depression are more likely to turn towards alcohol, or even illegal drugs, which of course, worsens the condition to a great extent. However, the consumption of alcohol or even taking drugs cannot really lead to bipolar depression, in spite of the fact that they cause people to experience mood swings.

Myth 8: Once Bipolar Depression is Controlled, Medication can be Stopped

Even those people who have been symptom free for months need to continue taking their medication on a regular basis. This can prevent the possibility of a relapse

Myth 9: Bipolar Depression Mainly Affects a Person’s Mood

The prime symptoms of bipolar depression are related to moods, but the patient can be affected in other ways as well. This condition can also affect a person’s cognitive function, where they are razor sharp one day and have muddled thoughts the next. Bipolar disorder also interferes with a person’s sleeping and eating habits.

Myth 10: People with Bipolar Depression are Crazy and should be Avoided

While people suffering from this condition experience some severe highs and lows, there are long periods of stability in between too. Many people who are bipolar could go on for months or even years, without a single episode of severe depression. However, it is important to realize that such people are ill and not crazy.