Finding out you have bipolar disorder can be a shock. If you don’t know anyone else with this mood disorder, you may feel isolated. But you should know that you’re far from alone. Close to 7 million adults in America live with bipolar disorder. If that surprises you, check out these little-known facts about bipolar disorder. 

From the community: “Hello, I'm sorry you are struggling. It's hard feeling like no one understands, like it's just some mood you can magically snap out of....I understand about feeling alone with bipolar, I also have it and don't want to tell many people… I want you to know you are not alone. It is nice to know there are other people that can relate!” – Inspire member

Fact #1: More people have mental health disorders than you think.

Bipolar disorder is just one of more than 200 different types of mental health disorders that affect approximately 53 million Americans every year. In terms of prevalence, it’s the fourth most common mental illness after anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). An estimated 1 in 5 adults and 17% of children experience a mental health disorder during their lifetime.

Fact #2: Not everyone with bipolar disorder has major mood swings.

There are four different types of bipolar disorder, and only a few of them cause extreme mood changes. Psychiatrists or other mental health professionals look at your symptoms as a whole — not just your emotions — to diagnose bipolar disorder and determine the type. For instance, they’ll assess whether your emotional responses seem out of context to situations. They’ll also want to know how often the symptoms occur and how long they last.

The different types of bipolar disorder include:

• Bipolar 1 disorder mostly brings on high-energy moods known as mania that cause you to have unrealistic beliefs about yourself. You may have a feeling of euphoria. You may or may not have depressive episodes.

• Bipolar 2 disorder causes depressive episodes that can become debilitating. You may also have a few days of hypomania, a less intense form of mania. 

• Cyclothymic disorder or cyclothymia causes big mood changes. You may cycle rapidly between hypomania and depression with fleeting periods of normal or regulated emotions.

• Unspecified bipolar disorder causes unusual, intense mood symptoms. However, the symptoms don’t quite fit the criteria for type 1, type 2, or cyclothymia.

Fact #3: You didn’t cause bipolar disorder.

Experts are still trying to figure out why some people develop bipolar disorder and other types of mental health disorders. Certain factors can increase your chances of developing bipolar disorder. But it’s important to note that most risk factors are not in your control. They include:

• chemical changes in the brain

• genetics or a family history of bipolar disorder

• stressful, traumatic events like the loss of a loved one or abuse

• substance abuse

From the community: “An important thing I do is to keep a list of journal or something that tells you what you are experiencing in mania and depression. This helps me to A-analyze myself, my mood, my state of mind, B- map my reactions to be better prepared for whatever my brain throws at me, C- be able to show a Dr what's going on if needed. (There is nothing wrong with seeking professional help!! Ever), and D- be able to look back to search for red flags.” – Inspire member

Fact #4: You may experience psychosis.

People experiencing psychosis have delusional thoughts or false beliefs about themselves. They may hallucinate or see things that aren’t there. During a period of psychosis, you may feel anxious, depressed, or irritable. Psychosis is the main symptom of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, paranoia, and delusional disorders.

Some people with bipolar disorder also experience psychosis. And people with schizoaffective disorder may have symptoms of bipolar disorder (bipolar-schizoaffective disorder). For these reasons, it can be difficult to tell the difference between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.  

Psychotic episodes that occur when you have bipolar disorder are temporary. When you have a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia, the delusions and hallucinations are always present. The psychosis only goes away with treatments like antipsychotic medications. Doctors sometimes prescribe antipsychotics for people with bipolar disorder to help prevent psychotic episodes.

From the community: “I’m bipolar. Honestly it’s really hard to get started on the medication when you’re strung out and manic. He may be addicted to his meds but if he doesn’t take that one med, he would probably be even more manic so I’d try to regulate his intake if anything. Getting started is the hardest part of it. Once you’re a month in it’s gets so much easier but it’s rough and hard to reason at the beginning…” – Inspire member

Fact #5: Bipolar disorder treatments really help.

Medications like mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics are highly effective treatments for bipolar disorder. But they only work if you take them. Unfortunately, studies show that half of people with bipolar disorder eventually stop taking the medicines that keep symptoms in check. 

If you experience medication side effects, or think you have the wrong diagnosis, it’s important to talk to your doctor before you stop taking a medicine. Sudden withdrawal from a medication can cause symptoms to return and make them worse. This places you at an increased risk for hospitalization and suicide. 

Most people with bipolar disorder benefit from taking medicines and talking to a therapist (psychotherapy). A psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or other mental health professional can help you learn how to better regulate your emotions, cope with problems, and change negative behaviors and thought processes. Research suggests that mental health counseling can minimize bipolar disorder symptoms and lower your risk of future manic or depressive episodes. A good therapist can help you live better with bipolar disorder. 

Finding the right therapist can be challenging. For your mental health and overall safety, it’s important not to skip this critical part of treatment. You may also benefit from talking to others who have bipolar disorder. You can ask your therapist for information about support groups in your area or join an online group like Mental Health America’s online support group and discussion community on Inspire.

Sources

• Why bipolar patients don’t take their meds. American Association for the Advancement of Science. May 2021.

• Bipolar disorder. Cleveland Clinic. April 2022.

• Mental illness and the family: Recognizing warning signs and how to cope. Mental Health America.

• Mental health by the numbers. National Association on Mental Illness. June 2022.

• Miasnikov C. Myths and facts of bipolar disorder. National Association on Mental Illness. May 5, 2021.

• Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. 2022.

• Bipolar disorder statistics. Transformation Treatment Centers. 

Disclaimer

Member comments are lightly edited for length and to remove identifying information but are otherwise reproduced as they appear in the community as part of public posts.

This content is for general informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of any organization or individual. The content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.