A veil of mystery and ignorance often envelops the bipolarity, giving way to preconceived ideas that feed the stereotyping And the prejudicing.
But today, we are going to break these chains that hinder the understanding and acceptance of this complex disorder.
By addressing and demystifying the 9 preconceived ideas the most widespread, we are committed to revealing the reality about the bipolarity.
In the course of this article, we will therefore reveal to you the truths hidden behind these myths and will share with you, if you are a loved one, tips for supporting and understanding people with bipolarity.
It is time to put an end to these preconceived ideas and to build a more empathetic and informed world together.
Bipolarity is a mood disorder which is characterized by more or less extreme variations between periods of depression and phases of excitement termed mania or hypomania (attenuated form of mania).
It is important to understand that these phases are more intense than the “normal” mood swings of Mr. and Mrs. everyone.
This disease occurs differently from one person to another depending on different factors such as, for example, type of bipolarity (I, II, cyclothymic...).
The symptoms then vary in intensity, duration and frequency, but in all cases, these fluctuations have a significant impact on the quality of life of the persons concerned.
Wrong!
When we talk about split personality, we are referring to dissociative identity disorders. La Bipolar person, she, has mood swings but don't change your personality.
Dissociative identity disorders and bipolarity are two different disorders and should not be confused.
In both cases, people need appropriate care and treatment to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Not everyone reacts the same way to a drug therapy.
Some people have more difficulty following their treatment than others, due to unwanted side effects or the complexity of management of their illness.
A lot of people with bipolarity Are very rigorous and understand the importance of their treatment in stabilizing their mood.
By working in collaboration with their psychiatrist, by adjusting doses, trying different treatment options and adopting a healthy lifestyle, it is then possible to recover in the long term and improve one's quality of life.
One individualized approach, as proposed HopeStage, is essential to ensure the effectiveness of care.
It is true that bipolarity can make life more difficult. Extreme mood swings can then affect work, relationships, and well-being. People who are bipolar can also have difficulties in managing the budget and respecting commitments or even the fact of take care of yourself.
However, with appropriate treatment and good support, most people who are bipolar lead fulfilling lives.
Rather encouraging, therefore, when we know the difficulties inherent in this disease.
Often considered a rare and marginal disease, it is ultimately not really.
It is estimated that approximately 1 to 2% of the general population would be reached. And if we take into account the least severe or atypical forms of bipolarity, we are talking about 5 to 8% of the population. What represents millions of people in the world.
This disease can affect people of all ages, men as well as women and from all social backgrounds.
It is therefore important not to minimize this disease and to detect it quickly in order to offer the most suitable treatment to each person concerned.
Ce stereotype Quite widespread is very reductive and stigmatizes people with bipolarity. This received idea is most often conveyed by the media, which present them as violent and unstable. However, the majority of them are not not dangerous neither for themselves nor for others, and do not present no antisocial or criminal behaviors. On the contrary, they can be and often are very creative, sensitive and generous.
However, some may present risky behaviors during a manic attack for example, and have excessive alcohol or drug consumption, reckless spending, or unprotected sexual relationships. All of these behaviors are not not necessarily aggressive or criminal.
So here we are simply talking about consequence of the disease and not of his own personality. It is worth differentiating.
In terms ofunpredictability, you should know that bipolar people have a regular cycle alternating depressive and manic phases that can be identified and anticipated. For this, drug treatments and follow-up make it possible to stabilize their mood and reduce symptoms.
Medication is essential in the management of bipolar disorder. They allow a mood regulation and relapse prevention. But they are far from being the only solution and are often not enough on their own.
Other pillars such as the psychotherapy, the supportive of the entourage and a healthy lifestyle are just as important for managing the condition effectively.
La light therapy as well as the neurostimulation are also other existing alternatives.
Not limiting yourself to medication is best. One global and personalized follow-up is therefore often the best solution.
That is totally untrue!
And it's actually quite discriminatory when you think about it.
Many people who are bipolar have successful and fulfilling careers.. For this, appropriate treatment and a favorable working environment are necessary.
Bipolar people often have qualities that are appreciated in the world of work, such as Enthusiasm, the sensitivity Or the creativity.
The main key is to find a balance between professional requirements and personal needs, as well as to receive the necessary support.
Strategic approaches make it possible to reconcile the two:
Depression is indeed a difficult phase., but to consider it as the only difficult phase is to minimize the complexity of the bipolarity. The manic or hypomanic phases can also be very challenging.
These periods of excessive excitement often result in impulsive behaviors, of related issues suchlike Insomnia Or the lack of concentration And relationship difficulties.
Moreover, it is commonly accepted that a manic phase is followed by a depressive phase.
Double sentence therefore for the person who is subjected to it.
It's true that relationships can be put to the test by mood swings, but many have lasting and fulfilling relationships.
Unlike borderline personality disorders, bipolarity does not necessarily present relational instability.
The key is to rely on a effective communication, the understanding On the other and one mutual support.
Other strategies may be useful:
Bipolar people have great abilities to To love and to be loved, it's time to recognize their human value and to leave stigmas in the closet.
To help a person with bipolarity, it is essential to demonstrateempathy And of Get as much information as possible on the trouble.
Understanding the reality of this disease makes it possible to better support the people concerned and to fight against stereotypes oftentimes very heavy to carry.
There are numerous resources and support structures for people with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. HopeStage has made a non-exhaustive list that you can find it here.
It includes associations, of support groups And specialized health professionals on bipolarity.
Successful support is based on communication open, Listen to him, the patience And the benevolence.
HopeStage works daily on this point in order to offer you the best expert professionals.
It is important to remember that everyone is different and that it is crucial to respect the needs and limitations of the person bipolarity disorder.
We saw, after having quickly redefined what the bipolarity, the list of 9 preconceived ideas that are important to deconstruct.
The most important thing is to know that a bipolar person is a person like any other, who deserves the respect and love of others.
Of course, there are many other preconceived ideas, such as the fact that bipolar people are a burden on society or that it is the disease of the century.
All of this will give us more opportunities to discuss it.
By breaking all these ideas received and by adopting a positive attitude, it is possible, together, to contribute to a positive change in mentalities And thereforeimproving the lives of bipolar people, so let's take action.
