Not “Bipolar” Enough: Society Has a Problem With Bipolar II

This has been said before, but the entertainment industry has significantly contributed to the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder. When films or series portray mental illness, characters with bipolar disorder are often shown in a constant state of mania. While mania is a defining feature of bipolar I disorder, it is not the full picture, and it is not representative of everyone's experience.

Why bipolar type II is often misunderstood

For over 37 million Americans living with bipolar II disorder, the lack of education around the differences between bipolar I and II pushes us into the background. We are often misdiagnosed, understudied, and overlooked. Our symptoms are seen as "not enough" for society to recognize or take seriously.

So where do we fit in society's perception of bipolar disorder?

A high-functioning label leads to dismissal

Those of us with bipolar II exist in a complicated space. We are often labeled "high-functioning," able to engage with society in ways that appear typical. People close to us may notice changes but dismiss them as stress, offering advice that doesn't account for our diagnosis. Internally, we understand our experiences, but externally, they are often missed.

Being in a depressive episode is not a lifestyle. It is exhausting. It is isolating.

Our condition is frequently minimized to the idea that we "can still function." But that phrase ignores the reality of debilitating depressive episodes. Depression impacts our careers, relationships, health, and daily lives. When these struggles are dismissed, it can lead to being overlooked in medical settings and during critical care moments. Society often frames depression as something relatable and temporary - something we should simply "push through."

Dismissive stereotypes about bipolar II

"You don't act bipolar."

There is a persistent stereotype that bipolar disorder must look like extreme mood swings or grand, erratic behavior. If you don't fit that image, you must be fine. I've been told many times, "You don't act bipolar." While it may not sound harmful, it is deeply dismissive and reinforces stigma.

I experience long, devastating depressive episodes. Months of not combing my hair, living in a cluttered space, missing deadlines, and struggling to meet basic responsibilities. When others see this, it is often labeled as laziness rather than recognized as a symptom.

Misunderstanding hypomania

"You are so fun."

When I come out of a depressive episode, I often enter hypomania. It may be considered "milder" than mania, but it can still lead to behavior that is far outside my baseline. I might sleep only a few hours over several days and feel unstoppable. I'm energized, social, impulsive.

Of course I seem fun! I have boundless energy. Let's go out, stay up late, spend money. But this isn't just a personality trait. It's part of a cycle that often goes unrecognized.

Bipolar in the workplace

"You get so much done at work."

During hypomania, I may take on everything like multiple projects, constant ideas, rapid thinking. But during depressive episodes, even basic tasks can take weeks. Because I still show up and manage to do something, it's often seen as "good enough," rather than a sign that something is wrong.

Advocating for change by sharing our type II stories

So what do we do?

Can we change society's perception of bipolar II disorder? Maybe not overnight. But we can start by sharing our stories.

My goal as a mental health advocate is not to change everyone's mind or make people comfortable. It's to give them enough insight to say, "I learned something new today." Those small moments of understanding can shift individual perspectives and, over time, shape society.

Yes, society has a problem. But we can advocate for those who can't.

We can tell our stories.

We can create our own media.