Understanding Bipolar Disorder: 20 Insightful Bipolar Quotes
Bipolar disorder is estimated to affect almost 5.7 million American adults every year. And despite its prevalence, many people who experience bipolar disorder live in fear of others finding out their diagnosis due to its stigma.
Because of this stigmatization, it's more important than ever to discuss the reality of bipolar disorder to provide accurate, reliable information on this condition.
It's also helpful for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder to have support and valuable resources when needed. Online therapy, for example, makes it easier to connect with licensed professionals specializing in bipolar disorder.
This article offers information about bipolar disorder, plus relatable quotes that might help some individuals feel less alone with their experiences.
What is bipolar disorder (manic depression)?
Bipolar disorder can manifest at almost any age, although a diagnosis of childhood bipolar disorder is rare. Often, bipolar disorder has a late onset and is identified in people in their mid-to-late twenties.
There are three different forms of bipolar disorder recognized by the DSM-5.
Bipolar I
Bipolar I is characterized by episodic mania often (but not always) followed by a depressive state. Diagnostic criteria for bipolar I indicate that only one manic episode is required for formal recognition provided it meets a requirement for length or severity.
Bipolar II
Bipolar II is a mood disorder that causes extreme emotional dysregulation. People with bipolar II swing between deep depressive states and episodes of hypomania. While this is often seen as a less severe form of bipolar disorder, it can be equally as dangerous as bipolar I for those who live with it.
Cyclothymia
Cyclothymia is characterized by chronic emotional instability lasting two or more years. Considered by many to be a milder form of bipolar disorder, people who experience cyclothymia may have more frequent but less intense mood swings. However, when left untreated, cyclothymia can slowly progress into bipolar I or bipolar II.
What causes bipolar disorder?
Though its causes are unclear, the latest research on bipolar disorder indicates that those with a family history of bipolar disorder or other depressive disorders may be more likely to develop this condition later in life. Further studies show that bipolar disorder can also develop when the brain is altered by stress, drug use, hormonal imbalances, and even environmental factors.
Managing bipolar disorder
People who experience bipolar disorder are often bombarded with opinions and advice about managing their condition. While these words of encouragement often come from well-intentioned friends, family, coworkers, and medical professionals, they may not provide insight into managing day-to-day life with bipolar disorder.
Because of this, people who experience bipolar disorder can benefit from connecting with and hearing from others who know their struggles firsthand and can provide practical guidance.
Bipolar quotes about the challenges of the mental illness
Experiencing bipolar disorder is rarely easy. In addition, misinformation spread by the media often perpetuates the idea that people diagnosed with bipolar disorder are perpetually depressed or dangerous. And this misinformation can make it difficult for them to connect with their closest friends or family about what they're facing out of fear they may be misunderstood.
If you're diagnosed with bipolar disorder, know that you are not alone; many people have stood in your shoes and weathered the daily challenges you're experiencing.
You might find solace in reading these quotes about life with bipolar disorder. And for more support, consider subscribing to Bphope, a bipolar disorder-focused research and news magazine.
"The lows were absolutely horrible. It was like falling into a manhole and not being able to lift the lid and climb out." – Linda Hamilton
"Which of my feelings are real? Which of them is me? The wild, impulsive, chaotic, energetic, and crazy one? Or the shy, withdrawn, desperate...doomed, and tired one? Probably a bit of both, hopefully, much that is neither." – Kay Redfield Jamison
"Bipolar robs you of that which is you. It can take from you the very core of your being and replace it with something opposite of who and what you truly are." – Alyssa Reyans
"Even when I'm in a really great, steady, and stable place, I'm clinically bipolar, so that always exists… a darkness always exists." – Mary Lambert
"Though I am often in the depths of misery, there is still calmness, pure harmony, and music inside me. I see paintings or drawings in the poorest cottages, in the dirtiest corners. And my mind is driven towards these things with an irresistible momentum." - Vincent van Gogh
"So when I was 24, someone suggested to me that I was bipolar, and I thought that was ridiculous. I just thought he was trying to get out of treating me. But he was also responding to the chaotic nature of my life." – Carrie Fischer
"If you can imagine missing being sad, it's the only thing worse than pain." – Paul Dalio
"When you live with depression, anxiety, or any mental illness, you spend most of your time 'trying to explain' yourself over taking care of yourself." – Hannah Blum
Quotes about the stigma of bipolar disorder
Many people with bipolar disorder cope with their symptoms alone because they fear being stigmatized for their illness. These wise words from people who have bipolar disorder call out the double standard society often has for those with mental illnesses and why these stigmas can be so damaging.
"This disease comes with a package: shame. When any other part of your body gets sick, you get sympathy." – Ruby Wax
"I don't think I'm fixed. People think you're like a car at the body shop. You go in, and they fix you, and then you're out, and you work like you're brand new. But it doesn't work like that, you know? It takes constant fixing." – Demi Lovato.
"I think it's really important to destigmatize mental illness in any form. I think many people are carrying around guilt and shame and baggage for shit that don't matter. Everybody is going through something, everybody has had something that they've had to overcome." – Mary Lambert
"One of the things that baffle me … is how there can be so much lingering stigma with regards to mental illness, specifically bipolar disorder. In my opinion, living with manic depression takes a tremendous amount of balls." – Carrie Fischer
"I am tired of hiding, tired of misspent and knotted energies, tired of the hypocrisy, and tired of acting as if I have something to hide." – Kay Redfield Jamison
Quotes about addressing bipolar disorder
Many people diagnosed with bipolar disorder may feel that they are somehow broken or damaged, unable to succeed because of their diagnosis. Despite these feelings, individuals who experience bipolar disorder can often live happy, healthy, and wildly successful lives.
"If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it." – Jonathan Winter
"Don't just survive. Shine." – Tom Fletcher
"None of us are entirely well, and none of us are irrecoverably sick." – Mark Vonnegut
"I'm bipolar, but I'm not crazy, and I never was. I'm stark raving sane." – Emilie Autumn
"Bipolar Disorder can be a great teacher. It's a challenge, but it can set you up to do almost anything else in your life." – Carrie Fisher
"If you're going through hell, keep going." – Winston Churchill
Mental health treatment for bipolar disorder
Everyone experiences bipolar disorder differently, and the best way to treat bipolar disorder is different for everyone. Because of this, there's no one tried-and-true treatment for bipolar disorder; instead, people diagnosed with bipolar disorder can choose treatment options that they believe will work best for them.
Common treatment methods often include a combination of medication and talk therapy following diagnosis.
Managing bipolar disorder with the help of an online therapist
Therapy can be an effective treatment for individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Sessions can be as frequent as needed and may help those experiencing bipolar disorder learn to balance their emotions and actions.
Different forms of therapy used to treat bipolar disorder
Several different forms of therapy have proven effective in helping people better manage their bipolar disorder. These include:
- Family-Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectic Behavioral Therapy
- Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy
- Group Psychoeducation
The efficacy of mental health care through online therapy
If you're considering therapy to treat your bipolar disorder but are unsure if you have the time or energy, online treatment might be a good choice. Online therapy is as effective as in-person treatment without the commute and limiting yourself to professionals within driving distance.
The benefits of online therapy
Instead, online options allow you to connect with a broader range of specialists and sessions you can schedule anywhere, anytime. In addition, online counseling can provide a discreet way to seek treatment without facing the stigma of seeing a local therapist.
Takeaway
Did you find any of these quotes helpful? If so, consider keeping them with you or saving them so you can reread them later. And if you're interested in therapy for bipolar disorder or to explore if you might be experiencing bipolar disorder, we're here to help.
Our licensed mental health professionals at Regain are here to help. We'll connect you with a professional based on your needs and preferences, and you can schedule sessions based on what's best for you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What do you say to someone with bipolar disorder?
Often, rather than knowing what to say, the essential thing to do is listen. Read about bipolar disorder and learn from those who live with bipolar disorder. Then, you might ask questions such as:
"How can I help you when you're struggling?"
"What's the best thing to do to support you when you're depressed? Would it help if I (cooked, helped clean up, went to the doctor with you, etc.)?" Offer anything appropriate for your relationship with the person.
"Is there anything I should/shouldn't do during mania/when things are hard/during depressive episodes/etc..............?"
Additionally, you can check in with your friend via call or text. A text along the lines of, "Hey! I was thinking of you and wanted to check in. How are you doing?" goes a long way.
What are the five signs of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of depression and mania or hypomania—someone with bipolar disorder experiences extreme highs and lows. Someone with Bipolar I will have experienced at least one full-blown manic episode, whereas a person with a diagnosis of Bipolar II will only have experienced hypomania, a lower-level form of mania.
Identifying bipolar disorder: Potential indicators of the mental illness
Five potential signs of a depressive episode that may be seen in someone who lives with bipolar disorder include low mood, fatigue or sluggishness, trouble concentrating, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, and the loss of interest in activities. Five potential signs of a manic episode include excessive or rapid speech, grandiosity, heightened energy levels, irritability, and poor impulse control.
How does a person with bipolar disorder think?
Everyone thinks differently, including people who live with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar quotes from people who have experienced manic depression
Here are some mental health quotes about Bipolar disorder from people who live with Bipolar disorder or who have experienced it firsthand:
"Soon, madness has worn you down. It's easier to do what it says than argue. In this way, it takes over your mind. You no longer know where it ends, and you begin. You believe anything it says. You do what it tells you, no matter how extreme or absurd. If it says you're worthless, you agree. You plead for it to stop. You promise to behave. You are on your knees before it, and it laughs." - "Madness A Bipolar Life" by Marya Hornbacher
"Bipolar robs you of that which is you. It can take from you the very core of your being and replace it with something opposite of who and what you truly are. Because my bipolar went untreated for so long, I spent many years looking in the mirror and seeing a person I did not recognize or understand. Not only did bipolar rob me of my sanity, but it robbed me of my ability to see beyond the space it dictated me to look. I no longer could tell reality from fantasy, and I walked in a world no longer my own."- "Letters from a Bipolar Mother" by Alyssa Reyans
"At times being bipolar can be an all-consuming challenge, requiring a lot of stamina and even more courage, so if you're living with this illness and functioning at all, it's something to be proud of, not ashamed of." - Carrie Fisher
"There is a particular kind of pain, elation, loneliness, and terror involved in this kind of madness. When you're high, it's tremendous. The ideas and feelings are fast and frequent like shooting stars, and you follow them until you find better and brighter ones. Shyness goes, the right words and gestures are suddenly there, the power to captivate others with a felt certainty. There are interests found in uninteresting people. Sensuality is pervasive, and the desire to seduce and be seduced is irresistible. Feelings of ease, intensity, power, well-being, financial omnipotence, and euphoria pervade one's marrow. But, somewhere, this changes. The fast ideas are far too fast, and there are far too many; overwhelming confusion replaces clarity. Memory goes. Humor and absorption on friends' faces are replaced by fear and concern. Everything previously moving with the grain is now against you - you are irritable, angry, frightened, uncontrollable, and enmeshed totally in the blackest caves of the mind. You never knew those caves were there. It will never end, for madness carves its own reality." - "An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness" by Kay Redfield Jamison
What are the four types of bipolar disorder?
The four main types of bipolar disorder are Bipolar I, Bipolar II, Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia), and Other Specified Bipolar And Related Disorders.
How do you calm down a person with bipolar disorder?
The answer to this question will vary from person to person, and in certain situations, you may not be able to help a person calm down. One thing that you should not do is tell a person to calm down. If they happen to be struggling with anger or irritability, the best thing to do is often to give a person space. Additionally, make sure to stay calm not aggravate the situation. Many people who live with Bipolar disorder are incredibly self-aware. If someone close to you lives with Bipolar disorder, when they are in a stable place, you may speak with them about how to best support them and react when they are struggling with irritability, grandiosity, excessive speech, or other symptoms. If it's a close loved one, you may even attend a therapy session with them to gain a better understanding of how to help your loved one.
How a bipolar quote can provide insights into the disorder
If you live with bipolar disorder yourself, you might be searching for "quotes bipolar disorder," "quotes about bipolar disorder," or "inspirational quotes bipolar living with bipolar." Some quotes will give you a sense of understanding, and there are inspiring quotes or inspirational quotes that will give you an emotional boost. Here are some examples of quotes about bipolar disorder that you might use:
"Bipolar disorder can be a great teacher. It's a challenge, but it can set you up to be able to do almost anything else in your life." - Carrie Fisher
"When under the strain of bipolar's strongest symptoms, we certainly can make selfish decisions, but that doesn't make us selfish people. In fact, because we have struggled and known such depths of darkness, our compassion runs deeper." - Lyss Trayers
"It's possible to live well, feel well, and also find happiness with bipolar disorder or any other mental illness you're struggling with." - Demi Lovato
You may also return to quotes about bipolar disorder or quotes from those who live with bipolar disorder, such as "At times being bipolar can be an all-consuming challenge, requiring a lot of stamina and even more courage, so if you're living with this illness and functioning at all, it's something to be proud of, not ashamed of" (Carrie Fisher). If you think that you may be living with Bipolar disorder, don't be afraid to reach out for help.
What is a good bipolar disorder quote?
"The life you have led doesn’t need to be the only life you have." – Anna Quindlen
This quote reminds us that despite the challenges of bipolar disorder, there is always potential for change and growth. It encourages resilience and the belief that we can create new, fulfilling paths for ourselves.
What are bipolar thoughts like?
Bipolar thoughts can swing from feeling overly energized, confident, or impulsive (during manic phases) to feeling down, fatigued, or hopeless (during depressive phases). It’s like an emotional rollercoaster, often beyond one’s control.
What is the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder?
Mood stabilizers, like lithium, are often the first line of treatment. Therapy, support groups, and a structured routine help manage symptoms more effectively.
How do I motivate my friend who has bipolar disorder?
Encourage them with patience and empathy. Simple things like setting small goals, joining them for a walk, or celebrating their achievements can go a long way. Avoid pushing too hard; gentle support works best.
What is manic depression called now?
It’s now called bipolar disorder, which replaced the older term “manic depression” to reflect better the spectrum of mood changes involved.
What jobs are good for people with bipolar disorder?
Flexible and low-stress jobs can be beneficial, like creative work, writing, freelancing, or tech roles that allow breaks. Finding a supportive work environment makes a big difference.
What superhero has bipolar disorder?
Two notable superheroes with bipolar disorder are Hank Pym and Nadia Van Dyne.
- Hank Pym: Known for his roles as Ant-Man, Giant-Man, and Yellowjacket, Hank Pym is a founding member of the Avengers. His struggles with bipolar disorder have been depicted in various storylines, highlighting his volatility and difficulty in controlling his temper.
- Nadia Van Dyne: Also known as the Unstoppable Wasp, Nadia is Hank Pym's daughter. Her bipolar disorder is explored in the "Unstoppable Wasp" comic series, where she experiences manic episodes and works through her mental health challenges with the support of her friends and teammates.
More commonly asked questions
Who is the most famous person with bipolar disorder?
Catherine Zeta-Jones is widely known for openly discussing her experience with bipolar disorder. Her honesty has inspired many to seek help and break down stigma.
Is bipolar disorder associated with genius?
There is ongoing debate, as some historical figures known for their creativity, like Vincent van Gogh, showed signs of bipolar disorder. While the link between creativity and bipolar disorder is often romanticized, it’s crucial to see beyond the stereotype and remember that each person’s experience is unique.
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