Debunking Bipolar Disorder: Common Myths and Why They're Wrong

[@KisniCovek]

--The part about relationships is something I am very glad to hear another person say.

[@sodakhanart]

My least favorite and imo the most harmful one is that bipolar people constantly have extreme mood swings. I was misdiagnosed as bipolar for years because i have really bad emotional regulation (from ADHD and CPTSD, not bipolar) and SAD and the meds REALLY messed me up! Any time i would bring up these mood swings/personality changes to a doctor they always try to get me back on these meds and i’m like no dude this is not bipolar 😬

[@SchizoKitzo]

yes this! A lot of people with bipolar disorder go months to years in between episodes, it’s definitely not a constant thing!

[@Absentminded_Abe]

@@SchizoKitzo Isnt that because Bipolar disorder is likely nothing more than an adrenal/kidney functioning issue effecting thyroid and hypothalamus; which, in turn, effects the pre frontal cortex? I guarantee that your biggest issue most of your life has been dietary going all the way back to your childhood. Just my opinion, though. I'm no professional or Doctor.

[@raymondepperson4425]

I'm bipolar 2, well controlled on meds, and not terribly open about it due the stigma associated. Consequently, I've had people talk to me about other people who are bipolar, not realizing I am also bipolar. The thing I've heard several times is some variation of, "he's bipolar, so he must be a drug addict. Meth, heroin, fentanyl all mess up your brain chemistry. That's where all these bipolars and schizophrenics are coming from." So, thank you so, so much for putting yourself out there, sharing your story, and fighting back against the stigmas and misinformation that's out there.

[@BipolarCourage]

Some common myths/misconceptions I come across online: 1. Telling people they are misdiagnosed & must be autistic instead, and to stop taking bipolar meds 2. Those who insist on calling hypomania mania 3. Confusing mood & emotional dysregulation. Mood & emotions are different concepts

[@kimberlyturner5886]

Im one of those bipolars that cannot work. Im bipolar 1 extreme. The levels are like a pendulum. Extremely happy, extremely sad, extremely mad. Its terrible. Ive tried NUMEROUS different medications....and symptoms have lessened, but never, ever go away. Thank you for sharing. Im 57 and my 34 year old daughter has schizoaffective disorder. More schizophrenic than bipolar, but? She hasnt found reality in years.

[@mjlove6574]

very good video Kit! I also often hear that bipolar is "just mood swings". And everybody is "a little bit bipolar." hell no! You look amazing ❤

[@SchizoKitzo]

Absolutely not everyone is! thanks for adding this!

[@emmamunro7208]

I find it extremely hard to hold down a job, I really hate it so much. I do try really hard though.

[@CamboTriton]

I appreciate your openness and honesty. I can relate to what you're saying here.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thank you!

[@mxvega1097]

I was (finally) correctly diagnosed about 6 years ago, after 10 years of awful and counterproductive meds (seroquel flipped me into mania several times, resulting in hospital stays). Started taking lithium, dzp, and got a good CBT therapist. One of the difficulties is that wherever you got to, there might be some wreckage to take care of, or just acknowledge and move on. Similar to addiction recovery - and it may overlap. My work was reasonably supportive, my family were ok, my friends were generally unsympathetic and self-absorbed so avoided me. That occasionally stings, but it's fine. I'd rather have my health and the capacity to start again than people who have already shown that they're not really friends. I never did get the much-lauded highs. It was a hypomanic version of being up for 3 days, with a grim, crusading zeal, haring down the freeway into the desert at 90mph and the only way through is ... MORE SPEED. Metaphorically!

[@kinzhe83]

Thank you for this video Kit. I've been in remission for 15 years now, I take my meds, I don't cause troubles anymore but I just c a n - n o t hold a regular job. I honestly didn't know "normal" people view bipolar people as an individuals that can not work, but now I realize it's definitely a thing, although lots of people do work regular jobs, my hat's off to them. I also learned what able-ism is from this video, thank you for that. Don't know what else to say on this topic, I agree with everything you pointed out in the video, thank you and best of health to all of us here :)

[@SchizoKitzo]

15 years??? That’s amazing!!! And I love your comments thank you for leaving them! Ableism isn’t pretty but I remember when I learned about it, it was a word I could put to my experiences that finally had a name. So it was mainly relief, as horrible as it is to know it’s real and not all in my head. Hope that makes sense. Thanks again!

[@kinzhe83]

@@SchizoKitzo You're very welcome, thank you for making these videos and reducing the stigma about mental illness! Best wishes :)

[@Lala-bobloblaw]

When I was younger we were taught and assumed that the mentally ill were wildly crazy, homeless, dangerous and different from everyone else. People can be wonderful and suffer from a mental illness. If I crossed you on the street I would never know you were schizo affective. Your channel helps cancel out misconceptions and stigma.

[@SchizoKitzo]

I grew up thinking of people like me as “sick in the head” and that stigma stuck with me for a long time, and when I was diagnosed, I had to deal with a lot of shame. But then, I learned that those that were “sick in the head” are people too, because I was one of those people, and idk, its a hidden illness; the reality of it is nothing like what society, stigma, or Hollywood says. And that’s why I’m here :)

[@DieRegentaenzerin]

Thank you for debunking these myths! I personally hate mania and love it at the same time somehow. But I hate it more and I am so happy that there is medication for it!

[@gckinsey]

This was a fantastic video! I'm always here for some myth-busting, and I really enjoyed the way you tackled each of these common myths about bipolar disorder. It's interesting how so many of the myths stem from "a few bipolar folks experience (XYZ) so therefore all of them must be exactly the same." It's so frustrating when people think that a certain community is a monolith just because they happen to share one thing in common. (I hear similar sentiments about the trans community all the time, sigh.) In reality, humans are way too complex to ever be a monolith, so it was really awesome to see you dispel that idea about the bipolar community. I thought it was especially important that you busted the myth about bipolar folks not being able to hold down jobs, and I hope any business owners/employers watching your videos take that into account when hiring. It makes me sad to think about how many people get fired or even rejected at the interview stage because of their bipolar symptoms plus this myth. I hope that as society becomes more conscious of ableism, more people get job opportunities that they would have been shut out of before. It's also really cool that you pointed out how a bipolar episode can be stopped if the person catches it early. (And all the more reason why we need better healthcare... between cost barriers and an overloaded/overworked system, it wouldn't surprise me if some bipolar folks know they're starting an episode, but either don't have a regular doctor to contact or don't get a response/help from their doctor until it's too late.) I hope that someday all bipolar folks can get the support they need and deserve from the healthcare system. Thank you so much for busting all of these myths! I learned a lot! It's so important that you're helping educate people about this stuff so that these myths don't keep getting perpetuated. (BTW your new hair looks amazing on camera!)

[@SchizoKitzo]

GC THANK YOU AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *clears throat and undoes caps lock* thanks for this whole comment and I’m glad you learned some stuff in the video! I’m all about breaking stigma surrounding bipolar and I too hope that one day employers will be more understanding. And that the healthcare system will be able to show up for these people when they’re needed most. Thanks again!

[@kellylaher7512]

I love this! I am soo glad you are shedding light so eloquently on this. I am hoping your you tube channel pops off! I will comment and like as much as possible. ❤

[@joslone]

I am schizoaffective an I must say you were spot on. I love your videos Kit.

[@xirisx1988]

I don´t have bipolar but autism. And some people say I don´t look autistic. Yet because of my autism I can´t work.

[@kristinhall7574]

Good video. I was able to get a job right after I was in the psych ward. It wasn’t enough to support me though.I am fortunate to have a husband who makes a good income. The job I got had to be stress free so I worked in a public library. I hope everyone with bipolar or schizoaffective disorder can find good employment if they are capable of it. I know everyone is different.

[@charliecounselman1864]

Hello! I'm studying for my LCSW clinical exam and your vids are helping me learn and brush up. Wish me luck! I wish you the best, hope you're doing well, if not then don't give up! May the force be with you.

[@raphaelchery7004]

Thank you SchizoKitzo great content as always. Bi-polar can ruin your life, especially when you don't recognize it; and you're loved ones do not believe in medication. In six months at a job I came from a beloved leader to a villain. I simply would make jokes, or comments that made people feel belittled, insulted and over time people caught on to my game. I use this experience as a testimony. I truly believe if I was not born in the United States, and lived in another country I would be dead. Mental Health Illness is stigmatized and is seen as the work of the devil. People really generalize about it. They think about every shallow thing they have ever heard and experienced and live it when they are around someone who may have a condition and they do not know. You're given stares, kid treatment, people will say: "I love your drive", "I like this side of you today". Coming from someone who now believes I encourage anyone with this condition to not give up. Get therapist you feel comfortable with, try to build positive bridges with family, and find something that will give you the faith to keep going spiritually. Never say never, and never stop believing. God is the creator and no matter how ugly you may feel sometimes, he sees so much beauty in you're little differences of mood, personality, and cycles. There's beauty in you're in struggle.

[@lisatomihiro3488]

Thank you for letting others know more about these mental issues. ❤️

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks Lisa!

[@alexandermatthewsmusic]

Nice hair 😉 ps I'm schizophrenic and I got a job at the SPCA working with the dogs... It's volunteer but still good 🙂

[@SchizoKitzo]

Haha thanks Alexander!

[@catastrophicblues.]

Saludos desde Argentina!!! Tus vídeos me ayudan mucho a entender y ayudar a mi hermano

[@prabhjotsingh1595]

I have schizophrenia, my conviction is my mood and mental health is dictated by my medication otherwise there was a big chemical imbalance in my brain.i want to know what someone else with the disorder feels like if it's ok to share,thanks.

[@gugu532]

This new hair cut suits you so well 😊 nice video as always... You are natural at making videos

[@fenris042]

I believe it is important to also know, as my fiance and BFF I've known 38 years, says n research supports it. Symptoms often get worse as you get older. She was diagnosed at 23. She's 51 now and she's obviously different than then, she can't work anymore, agoraphobia too. I ride the wave with her and am her rock she stabilizes on. I don't let the fits of anger bother me. She always apologies and I understand the difference between her true anger vs onset bipolar. It's much different. She takes her meds regularly but they often get adjusted yearly too. That's normal as well she told me. She told me, I'm the only person to ever take the time to educate myself on what makes her whom she is, it's a nice compliment and I do want to help and support her.

[@baladadisidenta8219]

Hormones play a significant role in mood regulation. Premenopausal women often experience worsening symptoms, and this can also be true in the early years of menopause. Conditions like (hypo)mania and depression may become more intense or mixed during these times. As estrogen levels decline more permanently, (hypo)mania tends to recede, but some depression may persist, sometimes with an agitated quality. This pattern aligns with personal experiences and observations from another patient with bipolar I disorder, who found significant improvement in her mid-fifties. Congratulations for your empathy and for being a supportive partner, that is not always the case.

[@kathyswearingen1509]

Excellent, clear, thank you as ever for your honesty i wish you and all here well

[@jamiekincaid9133]

I appreciate your honesty sooooo much Thank You😊

[@pointcuration1278]

Thanks for doing what you do.

[@SchizoKitzo]

Love doing it!

[@Dr.Wahoye_A.ShauriMD]

Great content!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks!!!!

[@robertstone8056]

great video kitz!

[@SchizoKitzo]

Thanks Robert!

[@thomasofnowhere]

Not dangerous she says as her left side slowly turns Hulk green. lol

[@natas12rm]

I was diagnosed as schizoeffective but the Drs are full of shite and they trying to kill me.

[@May-or-May-not]

I'm bipolar and I've worked full time as a teacher for seven years. Next school year I might have to decrease my position because it's taking a toll. But that might just as well be caused by my choice of career as my illness.

[@ShadyPlatinum777]

I’ve held most jobs for years but I have quit in hypomanic or depression episodes

[@May-or-May-not]

@@ShadyPlatinum777 Some times I really want to quit my job because it's stressful. But I've come so far in working with them when it comes to disability accommodations and just building trust with my supervisors. I can't imagine starting over and that's what keeps me in the really bad times.

[@KevinChristensen-h8x]

I was schizoeffective bipolar when i was younger. Im schizoeffective depression now.

[@BenjaminClinton-mu1fe]

It's schizoaffective! With an a! Not e! I do it, too!

[@KevinChristensen-h8x]

@@BenjaminClinton-mu1fe sorry.

[@SanjayChandu-r2x]

Ohy... My ..god it really bad to me

[@linkeddevices]

I don't get happy manic states...last time I was in a manic state I then we were behind the destructive constant trolling of e_lon. I was angry the entire year which costed me several relationships I kept blowing off constantly too busy. 2 of my friends died of covid and I lost content with several friends.i stole an ex room mates identity to hide behind which was both illegal and unerhical. We're the reason why e_lon randomly had people print put their code since we had several moles that made him too paranoid to make any good decisions

[@Lipolimtown]

We’re you born with this conditon? Was it caused by past drugs, alcohol bad enviorments people and stress related to anhedonia somehow. This was the case for me my issues are mainly just severe negative symptoms

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Cannot have your cake and eat it too! I will stop doing this for sure.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Do not remember this but apparently already commented here.

[@MrTubeman206]

I identify, what sucks but is cool is I only really relate to those that suffer with mental illness. But in recovery, healthy people are a little more interesting and I'm open to learn all human experience. Bi-Polar.......shoooo......mixed mood episodes.....oooooh......alcohol...AA and meds. Thank my Higher power. Well here we are

[@MrGuzmanra]

How low are your lows? Can u make a video when you're low?

[@SchizoKitzo]

My most recent vid as of seeing this comment is one I filmed during a depressive state, and I have this video as well that shows how bad it can get: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inzSgohqo96Wabc I try to show all sides of this condition on this channel, so there will be more to come as this disease is chronic. Hopefully this helps!

[@billybandyk0720]

W/all due respect, Kit; I vehemently disagree.w/u RE: Bipolar Disorder requiring medication. After 30+ different psych meds over 44 yrs, the best decision that I made was GOING OFF MY MEDS OVER 7 YRS AGO!!!!!! While it does vary amongst individuals; psych meds made me feel suicidal (along w/the cumulative adverse effects sucking the life out of me). If u believe in the chemical imbalance philosophy, more power 2 u. Best 2 u in whatever works 4 u; w/that said, going off psych meds ELIMINATED THE SUICIDAL FEELINGS that I experienced while on them.

[@baladadisidenta8219]

Yes, exactly. Everybody plays down that kind of ideation as a side-effect of psychotropic medication. Sometimes it is vital that a patient is zoned-off in order not to be able to carry out their plans but also many patients -especially those who don't feel this way because of a chemical imbalance but want to go because of situational factors based depression- are messed up and feel even worse.

[@billybandyk0720]

@baladadisidenta8219 U betcha. Again; psych meds r simply "chemical pacifiers" (i..e.: designed 2 silence u when getting abused, bullied. & harassed by othere.

[@xronald619x]

When I get manic I smoke weed and then I get even more manic

[@cory99998]

Yeah definitely not being moody, its a reality distortion. Like full blown your sense of reality and how you navigate the world is highly altered. I cycle rapidly and any given month if you look at my life, I'm like a different person. Even my subjective sense of my surroundings changes on the most fundamental perceptual level. We are not seeing the same picture, and I myself am not seeing the same picture from one month to the next.

[@Voltchip]

You destroyed bipolar myths with facts and logic (tm) 😂

[@pensidosyroconesyava]

Dunno if I m crediting that statement of you, from my view point there’s not been a good outcome from any past relationship through my 49y struggle through life and couple, family, friends or job/professional, neurodiversity activism circle or any with another human reelationship I kinda relate with some issues you talk out here and some other ones in a hellish nightmare combo, besides the psychotic ultra-rapid cycling bipolar part I’ve been diagnosed as an anxious non attentive adhd autistic, ocd and some impairments from cognitive part like dyspraxia, dyslexia and dyscalculia with poor working memory All that came on a very late self diagnose witch wouldn’t came from any clinician with no previous research from my self 😔 The low percentage of “high functioning” autistics who scape from early screening due to high masking (unnecessarily painful and life threatening) abilities Think that thing of a normal or a self sustainable life is a thing not for my kind any way More awareness is really needed, help and support even from stop ableism thinking At last thankfully for this times we can relay on online VERY specific peer support groups from social networks as “cafe Âûtista” on facebook which with out maybe we would be indeed completely alone and helpless Thank you for sharing with your soul at hand so very intimate info from your disabled side Lets share the love of living (as soon as i can find some xDD)