Misconceptions

What does bipolar disorder look like … Filled with fear and confusion, a mother states, “You would not know my son has bipolar disorder, he doesn’t look like one.” This is a common misconception of what bipolar disorder is and how it affects individuals. Preconceived ideas can be devastating to a person who has just been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, their families, and the community. It can create fear, which leads to isolation. So, for a moment, let us look at the truth about bipolar disorder.

The truth is, each of us comes in contact with an individual who has bipolar disorder daily or weekly. Bipolar disorder effects all ages, every walk of life, male and female alike. Most of the time, you would not be able to distinguish between someone with bipolar disorder or any other illness.

Individuals with bipolar disorder may have great challenges, but then again, when any of us get up in the morning, ready to face the day, our challenges are not as great – they are just different.