If bipolar disorder is a part of your life, someone has said these things to you before, too.
1. "I get a lot of mood swings too!"
You may be happy for an hour or two and all of the sudden you get sad. That's not what Bipolar disorder is. At least for Bipolar I patients, depression may last for weeks even months, along with euphoric feelings (mania) that may switch over for another set of weeks and months.
2. "Just get over it, you'll be fine"
If I could stop myself from making excessive lists that include bungee jumping and sky diving or laying on my bed for hours without any motivation, I would.
3. "It's all in your head"
I recommend a book called DSM-5. I'm sure you will find it to be a great read.
4. "I want to know what mania feels like!"
I wouldn't want anybody to go through restless nights, tire everyone with non-stop conversations to the point where you lose your breath, and making irrational decisions you will later on regret. It's exhausting.
5. "I kind of always knew it"
Well, thanks?
6. "I feel depressed too"
I don't always feel depressed and I don't always feel manic. It's unpredictable and scary if not treated, but think of feelings as a seesaw. That's the life of a Bipolar patient.
7. "Sometimes I can't even understand what you're saying"
Everybody experiences things differently, but usually going through a manic episode will most likely have you talking at 100 mph.
8. "Try to calm down"
I.wish.
9. "You seem normal to me"
But I am?
10. "You should see how my bipolar friend/boss/relative gets"
I'm sure they wouldn't want to hear you telling me this.
