Comedian Joleen Lunzer lists 10 Myths About People With Bipolar Disorder
1. We’re scary
When I tell someone I have Bipolar II Disorder, they always look at me with fear in their eyes and ask, “Are you going to be okay?” However, what they’re really asking, is if they are going to be okay. The answer: No. Since bipolar is a brain disorder, the only treatment is to eat your brains! Okay, that’s not true. But if I ever become a zombie, all bets are off.
2. We’re hyper-sexual
Sorry to get your hopes up, but this is a myth. Not everyone who is bipolar is Netflix and chillin’ every night. And even if we were, it’s none of your business.
3. We can’t be trusted
Don’t worry, we’re not going to steal your sneakers or share your secrets. I’m actually a very loyal friend. I’m great at keeping secrets. For example, I’ve never told anyone that my friend Victoria steals the toilet paper from her work and that I once caught her flossing her teeth with her hair. Wait…pretend I didn’t write that.
4. We’re not really bipolar because bipolar disorder is a made up mental health condition
Whenever I hear people questioning the legitimacy of bipolar disorder, I always ask, “Where did you go to medical school again?” That usually shuts them up. Then I remind myself that those who think bipolar disorder isn’t real are the same people who believe that the earth is flat and that Jay Z is a time-traveling vampire.
5. There’s no hope. We’re doomed
False. There ARE ways to manage bipolar. Medication, therapy, exercise, getting enough sleep and a healthy diet are just some of the great ways we manage our disorder. However, sometimes, lying in bed and eating a pound of chocolate while crying works just as well.
6. Bipolar is a weakness of mind and we should just get over it
Mental illness is difficult for some people to understand because unlike other illnesses, you can’t always see it. The wounds are internal and the pain is often hidden behind closed doors, but it is a legitimate medical condition that requires treatment. You wouldn’t tell a person with pneumonia to just get over it. And you wouldn’t look at someone with a broken arm and say, “You’re just being weak.”
If you would say those things, you need to enrol in a human anatomy class ASAP.
7. We’re manic all the time
WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!?! I’M NOT MANIC! I’M JUST REALLY EXCITED! LET’S GO SKYDIVING WITHOUT A PARACHUTE! I’M THE SMARTEST PERSON IN THE WORLD! I LOVE YOU! I HAVEN’T SLEPT IN A YEAR!
Never mind…everything is awful. I hate you. I’m going to bed.
Some people think this is what it’s like for us every day, but it’s not. Mania comes in episodes; it’s not constant.
8. Arguments and disagreements are always our fault
When you are honest about yourself, you run the risk of having it unfairly thrown back in your face. During a disagreement, the blame tends to fall on us. Why? Because it’s easy, and then the other parties involved don’t have to take any responsibility. But the truth is, it’s not always our fault. Sometimes I’m a jackass and sometimes you are too. It’s that simple.
9. We’re crazy.
Unfortunately, crazy has become synonymous with bipolar. Whenever someone thinks a person is acting “crazy,” they label him or her bipolar. Here’s the deal – we are somewhat crazy, but so is everyone else. We live in a crazy world and it rubs off on all of us. Own it. Embrace your crazy because there is no such thing as a normal person. The people who are willing to admit they’re crazy, are actually the sanest ones of all. Self-awareness is cool!
10. We’re all really attractive
This isn’t actually a myth. It’s true! Everyone with bipolar disorder is insanely attractive (see what I did there). We’re also very humble. We’re hot and we’re humble, but mostly hot.
Written by Joleen Lunzer
