Things aren’t Bipolar, people are. Use the word carefully.

Thanks to the International Bipolar Foundation (IBF) for their support spreading the truth about bipolar and educating people about it. Visit them here: https://ibpf.org

When you use the word “bipolar” incorrectly you could are implying that there is something “wrong” or “broken”. People with bipolar are neither of those things.

If someone with Bipolar Disorder heard you use the word incorrectly like this they may feel shamed. When you’re ashamed you’re less likely to seek help or continue treatment.

Using the word incorrectly might cause a person to commit suicide. Dead serious.

According to the IBF, “Bipolar literally means, “having two poles.” Some argue that this is why they use it to describe objects that have two extremes. While it is semantically correct to use it as an adjective this way, it can still be harmful.”

“The same way you would not use the word retarded to describe things that are slow.” said the IBF

Using the word incorrectly spreads misinformation about the disorder and can deter people from seeking help. Bipolar is very treatable, and people on treatment can life full lives just like everyone else.

Here are some suggestions of other words you can use next time. Use these and not ‘bipolar’ and you could save a life.

Unpredictable, unreliable, Inconsistent, frustrating, ridiculous, temperamental, finicky, annoying, difficult, needs to be re-calibrated, flippant, fluctuating, oscillating, erratic, all over the place and many, many others…

International Bipolar Foundation

To get treatment requires a proper diagnosis, that uses the actual word “bipolar”. If people continue to use the word incorrectly like this then they are helping to spread harmful, incorrect information.

Thanks to the International Bipolar Foundation for their support spreading the truth about bipolar and educating people about it. Visit them here: https://ibpf.org