Welcome to another edition of Myth Busters, a series of articles that shed light on common myths associated with specific mental illnesses. This time, we are covering bipolar disorder.

Myth 1: Bipolar is a rare disorder.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2.8% of U.S. adults were known to have bipolar disorder in 2020. There are different factors that can influence whether someone develops bipolar, such as having a direct relative that has the disorder, periods of high stress, chemical signals in the brain, and certain medical comorbidities.

Myth 2: Those with bipolar do not have a disorder, they are simply moody.

Bipolar is a very real illness and not simply mood swings. Mood fluctuations are normal in everyday life, but those with bipolar disorder experience changes in their mood and behaviours that have a huge impact on their day-to-day lives. The manic and hypomanic symptoms they experience can last several days in a row. When doctors diagnose bipolar disorder, they look at these episodes and their intensity and length.

Myth 3: Mania can help a person with bipolar be extremely productive.

Doctors confirm that the early period of mania can prove to be more productive for some people, but when left untreated the mania can eventually become chaotic and disruptive, leading to a loss of control of thoughts and actions and even losing touch with reality. There are also symptoms of mania that can negatively affect productivity such as irritability, anger, and disrupted sleep.

Myth 4: People with bipolar disorder are violent. 

Although there are some people with bipolar disorder who can display symptoms of irritability or anger, it does not automatically make them violent people. Research shows those with bipolar are more at risk to exhibit violent behaviours, but scientists think it is more related to what they have experienced in their lives rather than the disorder itself.

Myth 5: Everyone diagnosed with bipolar experiences the same symptoms.

Bipolar disorder is complex and has different subtypes. People with bipolar type I disorder experience severe highs (mania) and may not have depressive episodes. While people with bipolar type II experience a less severe high (hypomania), their diagnosis includes depressive episodes. The third is Cyclothymia, in which an individual alternates between a hypomanic and depressive mood for at least two years (with symptoms appearing for at least half of the time). The last type of bipolar is Rapid Cycling, in which an individual has at least four episodes of mood changes within a span of 12 months, which is not caused by a medical condition or due to substance abuse.

Myth 6: Mania is fun and feels good

When someone experiences mania, they may have lots of energy, grandiose ideas, and feel good, but mania also leads to irritability, feeling out of control, and poor judgement. Sometimes people experiencing mania can feel like people are “out to get” them, and they can also suffer from delusions or hallucinations. Mania can lead to impulsive decisions that can have far reaching negative consequences to relationships, health, financial situations, or careers.

For help with bipolar in yourself or someone you care about, visit amiquebec.org/bipolar.

–Gabrielle Lesage

From Share&Care Summer 2025
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