REALITY: According to the World Health Organisation the condition affects 1.3 million people in the UK, 7 million people in the US and over 60 million worldwide.

Often, it goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The average time between symptom onset and diagnosis is 8-10 years, during which time symptoms can worsen and episodes can become more severe and frequent.

Some sufferers have other conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a traumatic brain injury, or even a substance use disorder, that masks symptoms or complicates a diagnosis. In some cases, bipolar disorder is misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder – and vice versa.

An accurate diagnosis is critical, as some medications may either be ineffective or exacerbate the mood changes experienced with bipolar disorder.

Often, patients, loved ones, and general healthcare providers might not recognize that mania presenting as an extremely good mood is not normal.

REALITY: Everyone has good and bad days. But people with bipolar disorder experience higher peaks and lower valleys that can last days, weeks, or months, with or without a triggering event.

For example, if you’re enjoying dinner with friends on the patio, it’s normal to feel good. But it’s not normal to feel “winning a lottery” good. Or you might wake up one day in a really low mood that you can’t shake for days, regardless what’s going on around you.

There is no specific test to diagnose bipolar disorder. Diagnosis must be personalised based on the individual’s symptoms and family history. To be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a person must have experienced, within 2 years; at least one episode of mania or hypomania with at least one episode of depression.

REALITY: Feelings of euphoria and invincibility can seem harmless, but for sufferers of bipolar disorder, they aren’t.

These energy-charged states can manifest themselves as:

• Decreased need for sleep, which can last for days,
• Distraction or restlessness,
• Rapid speech,
• High, insatiable sex drive,
• Impulsivity and risk-taking, such as reckless driving or spending sprees,
• Irrational anger or irritability, or
• Racing or distracted thoughts.

REALITY: Individuals suffering from bipolar condition cannot control their feelings, it is caused by an unexplained chemical imbalance in the brain.

Due to lack of awareness, most don’t understand how someone that experiences mood swings can cope with their condition, whilst a bipolar disorder sufferer is unable to manage their mood changes themselves.

Very often, people are simply not aware that bipolar disorder is a serious, chronic mental disorder that requires medical treatment as well as an awful lot of effort from the sufferer themselves. It’s not something that one can just ‘get over’…

REALITY: Sadly bipolar disorder is a lifelong chronic illness.

Much like managing Type I diabetes, high blood pressure, or epilepsy, patients must continue taking their medications and follow their care plan when they are feeling well in order to maintain physical and mental health.

There is no cure for bipolar disorder, and despite advertisements suggesting otherwise, there is no single wonder-drug that can control its symptoms. Just as bipolar disorder is a cyclical condition, it’s management must also be approached with agility and consideration of each individuals lifestyle, medical history, and environment.

For most sufferers, bipolar disorder can be managed through a combination of mood-stabilising medications and complementary treatments such as psychotherapy, CBT and self-care through maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.

REALITY: Antidepressants should never be relied upon solely for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

These drugs can be used by individuals with bipolar disorder but must be carefully monitored for the emergence of mania, hypomania and mixed states. Antidepressants are most often used in conjunction with mood-stabilising medication.

Medication is an essential part of bipolar disorder treatment. There are several medications that may work best, either separately or when combined, to help stabilise your mood. However, your medications likely will change with age and life fluctuations.

Lithium is of the most widely used medication for treating bipolar disorder, although it doesn’t work for everyone. Some antipsychotic medications and anticonvulsants used to treat seizure disorders also may help manage acute symptoms and reduce the frequency or severity of manic episodes.

It may take some trial and error to find the right medicine or combinations of medication that works for you. Be honest with your doctor or physician about how you’re feeling and whether you’re experiencing any side effects. Finding the right fit is a team effort.

REALITY: While medications vary, all sufferers of bipolar disorder should follow healthy lifestyle recommendations.

These may include, but are not limited to:

• Psychotherapy: Talking with a therapist can help you process negative thinking, manage stress, and understand how to navigate your personal triggers.
• Sleep: With bipolar disorder, you may face the dual challenge of symptoms that make it tough to sleep, and poor sleep that worsens symptoms. Establishing and maintaining good sleep habits can improve your mental outlook and reduce symptom severity.
• Exercise and nutrition: Eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise can improve depressive symptoms and help prevent episodes of mania. A recent study suggests that increasing particular fatty acids in the diet can help regulate mood in conjunction with medical treatment. Research has also shown that aerobic exercise can influence the neural pathways for sharper focus in patients with bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder can also be inherited. Approximately 60-80% of people with bipolar disorder have a family member who has it. However, having a family history of the condition does not automatically mean you will develop it so don’t worry.

Though there is no test to determine your familial risk, your own doctor or physician can help you create a plan to manage your stress, including advice on practical, healthy sleep habits, and help you to avoid potential triggers.