10 Myths About Bipolar Disorder

Unfortunately, much of what people think they know about bipolar disorder is not accurate. It’s easy to adopt these misconceptions, especially given the extreme behaviors portrayed on News Media and films. As someone who has been struggling to get people to understand my disorder I've realized that there are 10 common myths about being bipolar.
Instagram= / alanjpineda
Twitter= / alanjpineda

[@rbabchis]

I've been married for 12 years so far. I have no problem with relationships.

[@capitaboarder87]

Good to hear, not all of us are as lucky though. Hope it continues that way for you.

[@aliciasantana6718]

thanks for your videos! i'm doing and investigation about living with bipolar disorder and your channel is helping a lot, we want to create awarenesss about it and fight the stigma. Regards from Dominican Republic ♥

[@devorahbayer3433]

Thank you for being public.

[@user-wt6hw5mi5q]

Your description of mania is such a breath of fresh air! Thanks for putting it that way. It's very true. Mania for me is mostly negative and it's pretty tiring. So many times the feeling is like needing to rip off my skin. The need for relief leads to problems and addictions for many of us. Getting through it has gotten better because of recognizing patterns, and remembering that it *will* go away even though it *doesn't* feel like it. I have the luxury of being very introverted so isolating myself to not cause stress for others is a tool I can easily use. Can also be a negative. *Journaling is an awesome outlet and great way to track moods/episodes.* The good news is many people are surprised that I'm bipolar, if it comes up, because I isolate. The bad news is, hiding it can mean not being taken seriously when you need help. A strong support system is crucial.

[@pandaschaefer]

WanderingHermit I'm right there with you on the isolation issue. I tend to stay away from a lot of contact with my friends and family, when I'm in a manic phase. Doing so has recently led me to feeling frustrated though because when I do speak out about my disorder, people then try to accuse me of doing so merely for attention. Feels like ya can't win for trying sometimes!

[@c3mfh517922]

I have been in a long term relationship with my boyfriend for about 6 years now. he was there when i wasnt on meds and hes still here now while im on them. its been on of the hardest struggles ive ever faced besides my bipolar. but it is a myth that we cant have healthy relationships, HUGE! its extremely difficult but it can be done.

[@lisahind8858]

Does anyone find that halogen car headlights are a trigger? I find them extremely irritating to look at . It's a terrible glare.

[@ajc2208]

Your honesty is appreciated. Thank you for sharing. Valuable insights.

[@giak1053]

Thank you for being open and making this video. I have bipolar type 2, and right now I'm struggling. I honestly have people in my life that would rather believe these myths then educate themselves. So again I thank you for helping me and anyone else struggling not feel so alone.

[@lalanicole2473]

Amazing video! Another common misconception is that a person IS bipolar. But rather, the person really HAS bipolar. We are not our illness! Also, ppl think mania and depression happen separately all the time-not always the case. Sometimes the mania might fuel the depression and vise versa. Thanks for advocating for us!

[@tiffanyl.5798]

I'm not violent but have been known to break things in the past when I'm angry. I see red and black out

[@laurafreed8440]

You've sure been through the mill like me but you vocalize it so well.

[@suzannedang]

Thank you Jeffrey for sharing this video about myths about bipolar disorder. I just uploaded a mental illness tag video and quoted this very helpful video in my description. Thought I'd let you know that I mention you. Thanks for sharing again, and keep up the good work.

[@bebeheatherb]

I'm very newly diagnosed. Your video has made things so much clearer. I'm 41 and have hidden this from my family for years but has gotten worse. I added you on Snapchat and thank you for sharing. I hope I can share my story and help others after I'm well. I am still working through my enigmatic brain and my triggers, and my rapid cycling triggers. Again, thanks.

[@Thesuicidejournal]

Oh cool, You can always message me through snapchat. I post often ...and without meaning .. !

[@lisahind8858]

Congratulations to you for having such a long-term relationship for 7 years. Hope you continue to enjoy that. :)

[@donazee1365]

Thank you for making this video!! God bless

[@cmj20002]

I am newly diagnosed at age 50 as bipolar type 1 with psychotic features. I went psychotic and had to spend time in the hospital until I was stable again. Hard to get diagnosed so late in life, but now I am healing and with medication I should be able to cope again.

[@pandaschaefer]

My husband and I have been married for 16 years now, and I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder a few years after we got married. We've been through hell and back together, but he has done everything he can to support and understand me and my disorder. I know how lucky and how blessed I am to have someone in my life who has my back, even in those moments when I don't have my own back. Love your video!

[@ladysaturn3876]

I'm so glad I found your beautiful soul. I just watched your other vid "Life after Xanax", and I'm pretty sure I subbed after 2 seconds:)

[@Thesuicidejournal]

Oh well thank you. I agree, Xanax is a very popular Benzo and its very bad for people but most don't care until its to late and they find themselves struggling through even worse anxiety.

[@Sara-cl1he]

very good info, I was just diagnosed with bipolar 1 and I'm finally getting myself educated, thank you for this info 😘😢😢

[@Banana_bread23]

Ever had a manic episode triggered by substance use? If so, how's it different from a non-substance use manic episode?

[@Thesuicidejournal]

+Jose Rico Substance Induced Mania can have a faster onset than regular mania. Since my drug of choice is meth it can aggravate a manic episode. It also can come psychotic episodes, if you use long enough. Substance induced psychosis has happened to me before.

[@_LilacRoses]

+Jose Rico great question.

[@katinlove]

That mania description spot on

[@wc541]

Great video.

[@SmukkePanda]

tank you for this!

[@Thesuicidejournal]

+Anja Christina Thomsen No problem, Hope This helped you or someone you love ! =]

[@karirr009]

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 2 after being hospitalized for a suicide attempt back in September. I am trying to figure out why me. I have been going to DBT therapy along with a personal therapist. I also am recovering from substance abuse.

[@kaiman99919]

he's really fit 👌

[@natashasaari9383]

good points !

[@Thesuicidejournal]

+Natasha Saari Thanks !

[@jgnmtz]

I would say I could have kept in touch with all of my family. But they are very religion and didn't want to accept my partner after my father died 2 years ago so I lost them. He loved being around my partner in the last 10 years of his life as I took care of him after his surgery. We talked everyday by phone up to the stroke . Love that Dad!

[@denitsagushkova5827]

Where are you from,you said in a previous video that english is yourr second language? And another question how do you manage your substance abuse especially with the alcohol? I have similar problems and will be very glad if you make a video about alcohol abuse? : ) Love your channel!!

[@Thesuicidejournal]

I'm Mexican! 🇲🇽🌵 I manage my substance abuse with Harm reduction model & individual therapy, those have been my way to success in my life.

[@jgnmtz]

Stanford told me I vasilate between Bipolar 1 and BP 2 with BPD at some points.. I have isolated myself except for my main sources of support . My partner of 18 yrs is very patient (Purple Heart kind of ). My brother is also supportive . I'm never violent. I try to help others a lot by phone or email but I have a paper heart and get hurt a lot. Be strong cyber bro' ! Excellent video Jeffreyboy. Do you prefer Jeff?

[@jgnmtz]

I

[@Thesuicidejournal]

Its nice to hear you have support, even one or two people help out ALOT ! when you are in need.

[@lilahfraser9582]

i love the intro music did u write it??

[@andybrownson4127]

Nice one!

[@danielelam5513]

If it makes you feel any better, it's helps to see the whole world is bipolar. Day. Night. Hot. Cold. Republican. Democrat. Right. Wrong. I find it helps to sit down and list out bipolar attributes you see in the world. Where do they come from?

[@Shmannel]

P.S you didn't address the myth of our smaller penises

[@Shmannel]

Why the hell would i want to see your issues, i got enough of my own not going hungry and getting killed

[@Thesuicidejournal]

+Shmannel Thanks for taking the time to watch and actually post on my video, your my first troll.

[@Lovely-sk6qm]

+The suicide journal 😅😅😅😅

[@Shmannel]

The suicide journal and im not bi-polar

[@Thesuicidejournal]

But your definitely a troll.

[@Shmannel]

no im not

[@devorahbayer3433]

Sweetie please don't self medicate.......check out Brainsway Inc. They may be able to heal us

[@AIAutomationApes1]

The myth about bipolar is not true. Bipolar is the demon's of our mind. Bipolar is a word that describes spiritual sickness. I was diagnosed as an Antisocial, depressed, Bipolar maniac. The truth is most people with this sickness have had traumatic childhoods. Many have been sexually, mentally, or physically abused. All the Bipolar maniacs I personally know live a hellish life. Many have had times of homelessness, prison time, constant unemployment, and dysfunctional relationships. You being with another man is dysfunction. This is not to be offensive. Semen is meant to pass on your genes and create the next generation. I have had encounters with both males and females. This is a sickness of mine. So I am not passing judgement, I'm only saying that it adds to the sickness. A penis should not go into anyone's mouth or anus. It should not go into a male or female's mouth or anus. That is the Self destruction of your seeds. That's actually a form of suicide. Because you're killing your bloodline. That will make your spirit sick. I speak from personal experience, that this is sick. Drugs and alcohol also go hand and hand with Bipolar Manic Depression. It's often used for medication, but only makes us worse. I've been with both sexes, I'm often a raging,wild alcoholic, a reckless person, and self destructive.I know that Bipolar is just a word. The truth is I've lived the life of a tormented soul. Me Engaging in homosexual acts and drugs and alcohol has helped destroy my life. But I suppose female prostitutes and whores we're no better. Bipolar is not some split personality or chemical imbalance. Bipolar is childhood trauma, and low self worth that has turned into sick adult problems. Therapist are full of crap. With some chemical imbalance. The truth is what has happened that makes you feel so low about yourself that you often want to die. What makes you destroy your life with drugs and alcohol and being completely reckless. What is inside that makes your spirit so tormented. Bipolar is an excuse. I won't use it any more. I must rid my thoughts of being unworthy and nothing. It's not some chemical imbalance. When someone is deeply depressed, and their only escape from depression is to go into being a crazed, out of control, raging drug addict alcoholic, that is past issues stuck in the subconscious mind. The drugs and alcohol often unleash or trigger those wicked thoughts to come to life and we're back on a crazy, chaotic binge of wild, out of control behavior. Something is seriously wrong with the spirit. The only cure is to live a healthy life and love yourself.Stop engaging in sick deviant behavior, and call for a Holy spirit to, get rid of this wicked spirit. Until that happens all the therapy and prescribed pills mean very little. I must rid my mind of homosexual thoughts and actions. It's not healthy for men to share semen. This is just the facts. Bipolar is just a word and for many it's an excuse. The truth is we're not dealing with past demons nor are living righteous in our lives and that makes our spirit sick, therefore we become sick Bipolar Manic Depressives. Bipolar is the signs of an unhealthy mind. I'm not passing judgement I'm just giving my testimony of my own life. I hope you peace, joy and happiness. PERIOD!! AMEN!!!

[@Thesuicidejournal]

You need to stay on your meds man!

[@AIAutomationApes1]

+The suicide journal The meds we're not what I needed. I had to stop deviant behavior that made sick and start drinking. I had to stop focusing on old wounds from the past. When I read Mike Tyson's book Undisputed it showed me that living a healthy lifestyle will change your outlook on life. Mike dropped out of school at 7 years old. Not 7th grade. He was molested as a child. He was in hardcore reform school for bad kids by 12. He was bullied, robbed and beaten as a child. He was a violent Bipolar Manic Depressive. He went to adult prison for a sick crime. He went thru 2 divorces and he was a raging wild alcoholic, and drug addict. He lost hundreds of millions of dollars and found himself homeless on some women's couch. He was suicidal and homicidal. This guy lived a terrible life. This caused his Bipolar mania. I was mistreated as a child as well. But Mike Tyson is now married, with children and a VEGAN! He doesn't take meds, he eats healthy, he loves his new life, and he realized that he had to face his demons. Bipolar is an excuse given by the medical world so that we run from our demons and we don't face them head on. Doctors tell us there is no cure, but to take the meds. That's so we stay their pill popping prescribed pill junkies. The truth is that if you've had deep dark pain and suffering in your life then yes you'll be likely to be suicidal, depressed, and a Bipolar maniac. I'll never take the meds again. I know that I have demons that will always try to kill me. Depression is normal for people with mental affliction. Sure you'll feel like it's the end of the road at times. But just pick yourself up, and get back to work. CHEERS!! AMEN!!!

[@Thesuicidejournal]

+THE TRUTH NETWORK I know a couple of people who manage there bipolar with good diet and exercise but there is no one size fits all cure. I need meds, at least at this point.

[@AIAutomationApes1]

Take your meds brother. I took them as well. I've done rehab countless times and therapy for years as well. But I now know that I must move on from the past, and live for the future. I wish you peace man. I've fooling around for the last 5 days feeling sorry for myself. Tomorrow is Monday a brand new day and a brand new week. Keep your faith strong and don't and I'll do the same. CHEERS!! AMEN!!!

[@Thesuicidejournal]

+THE TRUTH NETWORK. Thanks and I wish you the best man.