Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that’s often misunderstood. Learning more symptoms and causes can help you better support a loved one with the condition.
Bipolar disorder can affect a person’s mood, behavior, and way of thinking. However, it’s important to remember that these are symptoms and not a conscious choice.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of bipolar disorder, it’s important to consult a mental health professional. They can provide a full evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.
Bipolar disorder is a series of conditions associated with extreme and unpredictable mood swings. It’s characterized by periods of low mood, followed by weeks of mania or hypomania symptoms like high energy and irritability. Witnessing this behavior can be difficult, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the condition and seeing it for the first time. You may even find yourself wondering, “Can you trust a bipolar person?”
While your feelings and concerns are valid, it’s important to remember that your mental health symptoms don’t define who you are. Taking the time to recognize the facts can help you better understand bipolar disorder and how it may impact a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Here are some of the most common myths about bipolar disorder.
Myth 1: You can’t trust someone with bipolar disorder
Truth: The myth that people with bipolar disorder can’t be trusted is both hurtful and misleading.
While it’s true that bipolar episodes can impact behaviors, it’s important to remember that symptoms aren’t an accurate reflection of who someone is as a person. Even if you find it difficult to trust someone during a mood episode, that doesn’t mean that bipolar disorder makes them an untrustworthy person.
If a friend or loved one with bipolar disorder has behaved in a way that puts your trust at risk, consider having an honest conversation about how their actions affect you [1]. For example, let’s say your friend often bails at the last minute on your plans. Choose a calm moment, and use “I” statements [2] to voice your concerns. It might sound something like, “I look forward to spending time with you, so it’s really hard for me when you change plans without warning.”
Myth 2: People with bipolar disorder are dangerous
Truth: Having bipolar disorder doesn't make you dangerous. Bipolar episodes are associated with symptoms like anger and irritability, but that doesn’t mean that people with the disorder are automatically violent or aggressive.
It’s also worth noting that a person’s behavior may be linked to other factors and not their bipolar diagnosis. For example, co-occurring substance use issues or a history of trauma both increase a person’s risk of dangerous behavior.
Unmanaged anger can be hard to watch, but knowing how to cope makes all the difference. If someone with bipolar disorder is struggling with intense emotions, consider helping them find healthy ways to deal with those feelings.
For example, one common self-help strategy is to pause and take a few deep breaths to calm your body and mind. Journaling and mindfulness exercises can also help people identify and manage their emotions.
Myth 3: People with bipolar disorder can’t have close relationships
Truth: People with bipolar disorder desire and deserve love, support, and meaningful connections — just like everyone else. Many people with the condition have healthy, long-term relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners.
That said, it’s true that bipolar relationships can be challenging at times. Having a romantic partner with bipolar disorder can lead to insecurities and intimacy concerns [3]. It can also feel frustrating when they act distant and closed off or ignore their triggers, like stress or lack of sleep.
Like any other relationship, it's important to prioritize honest communication, healthy boundaries, and a willingness to support one another.
Myth 4: Everyone with bipolar disorder has substance misuse issues
Truth: Research shows that more than 40% of people with bipolar I will also develop a substance use disorder [4]. However, at the same time, many people with bipolar disorder will never experience problems with alcohol or drugs.
Another misconception is that substance use causes bipolar disorder. While drugs and alcohol may worsen symptoms and complicate treatment, they’re considered a risk factor and not a direct cause.
Myth 5: You can’t live a regular life with bipolar disorder
Truth: Many people with bipolar disorder enjoy productive and meaningful lives. With the right resources and support, they can enjoy things like a rewarding career and fulfilling relationships.
The exact treatment plan will depend on a person's symptoms and circumstances. It may involve:
Talk therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family-focused therapy (FFT)
Psychiatric medication, like mood stabilizers or antipsychotics
Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, balanced diet, and stress-management techniques
If you suspect you or someone you love is showing signs of bipolar disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can learn to manage your symptoms and find success with the right support.
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A helpful clue is to look for patterns over time. During manic or depressive episodes, behavior often shifts in noticeable ways. It may feel more intense, impulsive, or withdrawn than usual. Core character tends to be more stable, while episode-driven behavior comes and goes.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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Although bipolar disorder isn't uncommon, it’s still often misunderstood. One way to change that is by learning more about the signs, symptoms, and risk factors. This information can make a meaningful difference in how you support loved ones during challenging moments. Learning about bipolar disorder is also a chance to raise awareness about what it means to live with this disorder.
At Rula, we’re here to help you feel better. Rula makes it easy to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who takes your insurance. That way, you don’t have to choose between great care and a price you can afford.
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References
- Supporting someone with bipolar disorder https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/bipolar-disorder/supporting-someone-with-bipolar/
- “I” Messages or “I” Statements https://www.bumc.bu.edu/facdev-medicine/files/2011/08/I-messages-handout.pdf
- The Impact of Bipolar Disorder on Couple Functioning: Implications for Care and Treatment. A Systematic Review https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/57/8/771
- The prevalence and significance of substance use disorders in bipolar type I and II disorder https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2094705/#:~:text=Prior%20epidemiological%20research%20has%20consistently,life%2C%20and%20increased%20suicidal%20behavior
Alex Bachert
Alex Bachert is a freelance copywriter and mental health advocate. Since earning her masters degree in public health, she has focused her career on creating informative content that empowers people to prioritize their health and well-being. Alex has partnered with organizations like Ro, WellTheory, and Firsthand, and her work has been recognized by the Digital Health Association.
When she’s not writing about mental health, Alex is usually playing pickleball, meeting with her local board of health, or enjoying time with her three kids.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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