#actuallybipolar2

Little things that people don’t always talk about?

Caffeine affects us differently— it can cause or worsen hypo/mania symptoms, especially in large doses. This being said, low caffeine drinks and foods are okay, especially if consumed sparingly.

Sleep is a BIG thing. Too much or not enough can irritate both depression and hypo/mania symptoms. A strict sleep schedule is important. Reducing blue light screens at night, taking melatonin, and generally making sure you get around 8 hours asleep a night is VERY important.

Things people always get wrong?

Bipolar disorder isn’t just mood swings; it’s disorganized thoughts, it’s tunnel vision focus, it’s the inability to stop sleeping, it’s so much more than I can even explain.

Mania isn’t a glorious, productive experience. It’s not. It may seem like that from the outside, or even in the moment, but in reality? It’s not. Mania has many symptoms and consequences. When experiencing hypo/mania, you may forget to eat or sleep because you are so focused. You may not realize your actions have consequences. You may not be able to sit still or focus on one thing. Mania is many, many things. It just depends on you.

Depression isn’t always sleeping and not eating. It can be more than that. It can be lack of pleasure in doing things. It can be cancelling plans with friends because you don’t have the energy. It can be as simple as choosing not to do something because you don’t have enough motivation to do it. And that’s okay.

Things I wish I knew when I was diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder isn’t scary or life-ending. I had always heard horrible things about bipolar disorder, and the media didn’t help. But it’s not what it’s portrayed as.

People who do not have bipolar disorder, or aren’t a doctor who specializes in mental disorders, will get things wrong when they talk about it. You can correct them. You’re allowed to do that.

You aren’t alone. You aren’t, and you shouldn’t let yourself believe that. It will just hurt you in the long run. Find some type of community, support group, or otherwise supportive group. Get involved in it. It will help.

Hi! Okay so I’ll be honest with you— writing an “accurate” bipolar character really depends on what you want represented in your character, and how you want them to show it through your writing!

Are they medicated? Do they see a therapist/psychiatrist? Are they at a low or a high or are they at a stable mid-point? Do they rapid cycle? What about delusions or hallucinations? Any comorbidies, like anxiety?

I’d be happy to help if you would like to DM me, but really, ever bipolar journey is different, so it just depends on what you feel comfortable with writing and hearing and learning about.

Yeah, that’s totally possible— it’s called a mixed episode