Myth on Bipolar Disorder

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Bipolar disorder involves going from a state of extreme happiness or concentration to a major depressive state and back to “normal.” Depending on the individual in question, the three states may come in various orders and lengths. For example, the upward swing or the elated feeling of bipolar disorder can last from a week to a few years. The same can be said about the major depressive part of bipolar disorder. The exact length of each state of mind varies amongst each individual. For those who have manic episodes, this can involve intense feelings of being on top of the world or they may indulge in spending recklessly with a lack of consideration of friends and family. Therefore, the bipolar person’s friends and family may feel the need to pay off his or her debts. Unlike manic episodes, people with hypomanic episodes experience extreme concentration and have personal insight. Hypomanic people have the capability to listen to their friends and family. For example, people in a hypomanic state may have the energy to write a book in a single night. Over the last five years, bipolar disorder has been on the rise in the media. More and more stories about bipolar are being published in the newspaper, films, television, and online videos, and passed on through word of mouth. More often than not, these stories involve people who are exhibiting bipolar traits. Although bipolar disorder does have some negative parts to it, the stories portrayed in the media often involved only the most severe bipolar cases. Therefore, messages in the media often involve myths. Certain sources do not involve myths but have the potential to cause misinformation. Media messages can become biased. There are many bipolar disorder myths that come from word of mou...

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...inst mental illness and bipolar causing fear and hatred. Instead, the media should release information on how to improve mental health and factually portray illness and disease.
Finally, there are many myths that are passed on to peers through word of mouth and the media. Some of these myths listed are the myth that mania is a sure sign of bipolar disorder; the myth that bipolar ruins lives and causes craziness; the myth that cutting is for attention; the myth that bipolar is easy to diagnose; and finally, the myth that the media does not effect the public’s perception of mental illness. People in the media and people spreading misinformation, should be aware of all the facts before they go and tell their peers. Expelling the myths and giving an accurate and positive image of bipolar disorder will further enhance healing and encourage community of all people.

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