Key facts about bipolar disorder. We debunk common misconceptions and myths surrounding the condition.
So are you telling me nobody knows why I feel this way?
learn: causes and triggers
Causes of Bipolar?
Experts don’t yet fully understand why some people develop bipolar disorder, but both genetics and life experiences can play a role.
If someone in your immediate family—like a parent, sibling, or twin—has bipolar disorder, your chances of developing it are higher. For example, if one family member has the condition, there’s about a 13% chance you could develop it as well. The risk increases if both parents or a twin are affected.
For some people, stressful life events can also trigger symptoms, including things like major life changes, trauma, or prolonged stress.
Relationship issues
Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional)
Death of a loved one
Physical illness
Moving or relocation
Major financial changes
Job or work stress
Sleep problems
Money or debt issues
Witnessing trauma
Life transitions
Chronic stress or caregiving
These experiences can be difficult and emotionally draining, but they do not directly cause bipolar disorder. For those with a genetic or personal predisposition, such stressful events may contribute to triggering symptoms, making it important to be aware and seek support early.
learn: fact check
Check and Verify
We’ve worked hard to gather and present the information on SharingBipolar, but we always encourage our members to fact-check and explore topics further.
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learn: key facts
Did you know?
learn: misconceptions
Myth vs Reality
REALITY: Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1.7% of adults in England, 2.8% of adults in the U.S., and about 0.53% of the global adult population.
Despite these numbers, bipolar disorder often goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed. On average, it can take 8–10 years from the onset of symptoms to an accurate diagnosis, during which time episodes may become more frequent or severe.
Co-occurring conditions—such as PTSD, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, or substance use disorders—can complicate diagnosis. Bipolar disorder may also be misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder.
An accurate diagnosis is essential, as some medications can be ineffective—or even worsen—mood changes if the underlying condition isn’t recognized. Mania, which can sometimes present as an unusually high or “happy” mood, is often overlooked by patients, loved ones, and general healthcare providers.
REALITY: Everyone has good and bad days. But people with bipolar disorder experience much higher highs and deeper lows that can last days, weeks, or even months, with or without a trigger.
For instance, feeling happy while having dinner with friends is normal. But someone with bipolar disorder might feel an intense, “winning the lottery” level of happiness, or they may wake up in a very low mood that lasts for days, regardless of what’s happening around them.
There is no single test for bipolar disorder. Diagnosis is personalised, based on the individual’s symptoms and family history. Typically, a diagnosis requires at least one episode of mania or hypomania and at least one episode of depression within a 2-year period.
REALITY: Feelings of euphoria or invincibility may seem harmless, but for someone with bipolar disorder, they can signal a manic or hypomanic episode.
These energy-charged states can show up as:
- Needing less sleep than usual, sometimes for several days,
- Feeling restless or easily distracted,
- Talking very quickly,
- Increased or uncontrollable sexual drive,
- Impulsive or risky behaviour, like reckless driving or overspending,
- Irritability or sudden anger, and
- Racing thoughts or difficulty focusing.
REALITY: People with bipolar disorder cannot simply control their moods. The condition stems from complex changes in brain chemistry and cannot be overcome by willpower alone.
Many people don’t realise how challenging it can be to live with extreme mood swings. Even with effort, someone with bipolar disorder cannot always manage their highs and lows without support and treatment.
Bipolar disorder is a serious, chronic mental health condition. Managing it requires medical care, self-awareness, and ongoing effort—it’s not something that can be “just gotten over.”
REALITY: Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management.
Much like conditions such as Type I diabetes, high blood pressure, or epilepsy, people with bipolar disorder need to continue taking their prescribed medications and following their care plan—even when they are feeling well—to maintain both mental and physical health.
There is no cure, and despite advertising claims, no single “wonder drug” can control all symptoms. Managing bipolar disorder requires a personalised, flexible approach that takes into account each individual’s lifestyle, medical history, and environment.
For most people, bipolar disorder can be effectively managed through a combination of mood-stabilising medications, psychotherapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and self-care strategies such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and routine.
REALITY: Antidepressants alone are not sufficient to manage bipolar disorder.
While antidepressants can be part of treatment, they must be carefully monitored, as they can sometimes trigger mania, hypomania, or mixed states. They are most often prescribed alongside mood-stabilising medications.
Medication is a key part of managing bipolar disorder. Several options exist—either alone or in combination—to help stabilise mood. These may change over time depending on your age, lifestyle, and life circumstances.
Lithium is one of the most widely used treatments, though it doesn’t work for everyone. Some antipsychotics and anticonvulsants (used for seizure disorders) can also help manage symptoms and reduce the frequency or severity of manic episodes.
Finding the right medication or combination may take some trial and error. It’s important to communicate openly with your doctor about how you’re feeling and any side effects. Managing bipolar disorder effectively is a collaborative process between you and your healthcare team.
REALITY: Medication is important, but it is not enough on its own—healthy lifestyle habits play a key role in managing bipolar disorder.
Some strategies that can help include:
- Psychotherapy: Talking with a therapist can help you manage stress, understand triggers, and cope with negative thinking patterns.
- Sleep: Bipolar disorder can make sleep difficult, and poor sleep can worsen symptoms. Establishing a regular sleep routine can improve mood and reduce episode severity.
- Exercise and nutrition: A balanced diet and regular physical activity can support mood stability. Some studies suggest certain fatty acids and aerobic exercise may help regulate mood and improve focus alongside medication.
Bipolar disorder can also run in families, with around 60–80% of people having a relative with the condition. However, a family history does not guarantee you will develop bipolar disorder. Your doctor can help you create a personalised plan to manage stress, maintain healthy sleep habits, and reduce potential triggers.