3 myths about Bipolar Mood disorder.

Myth 1:

Bipolar disorder follows a fixed cycle of depression, then mania.

Not really. For most people, it doesn’t feel that orderly. Episodes can come in any sequence, someone might go through several depressive phases in a row, or have repeated periods of high energy without a depressive episode in between. It’s unpredictable and looks different for each person.

Myth 2:

People with bipolar disorder are always symptomatic

That’s not true. Many individuals have long stretches where they feel completely like themselves, calm, stable, and fully functional. These symptom-free periods can last months or even years, which is why others may not even realize what they’re going through.

Myth 3:

Mania and depression can’t happen together.

They can. Some people experience mixed episodes, where emotions overlap in confusing ways , feeling low, empty, or hopeless while also being restless, irritable, or mentally overactive. It can feel like your mind and body are pulling in opposite directions at the same time, which can be especially distressing.