The fluctuating moods, the intense energy, the periods of deep despair – these are hallmarks of bipolar disorder, a mental health condition affecting an estimated 4.4% of U.S. Adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. For many, the path to diagnosis is long and winding, often marked by misdiagnosis and years of struggling to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. Country and folk singer Arlene Bailey, a native of County Kildare, Ireland, knows this journey intimately.
Bailey, now an Aware Lived Experience Ambassador, openly shares her story of living with Bipolar II Disorder, a specific type of bipolar disorder characterized by periods of hypomania – less severe than full mania – and depression. “For me, it tends to be extreme fluctuations of my mood,” she explained, reflecting on her experiences. “Notice times where I’d feel kind of level and stable, but when I’m depressed, I’m very, very low, and when I’m hypomanic… I could be up washing the walls at four in the morning. So the energy levels are vastly different from mood to mood.” Despite the challenges, Bailey emphasizes she is now “living well” with the condition, actively managing it and feeling in control.
The Delayed Diagnosis: A Common Thread
Bailey’s experience isn’t unique. A significant delay in accurate diagnosis is a recurring theme for those living with bipolar disorder. She initially received a diagnosis of depression in her 20s, a common starting point for many. “Bipolar disorder is a sneaky one,” Bailey explains. “People will always seek aid when they’re in a low mood; they won’t necessarily always notice the high or the elevated hypo or manic phases. In a lot of cases, and in my case, that went unnoticed.” It took another two decades before she received the correct diagnosis of Bipolar II Disorder.
This prolonged period of uncertainty and misdiagnosis can be incredibly frustrating. “You’re kind of banging your head against a wall because you’re not treating the full condition,” Bailey said. “It was a long time not knowing what was going on, always knowing something wasn’t quite right, but not knowing what it was.” Her story echoes that of Liam Gildea, who shared his experience with Aware, stating, “Like many people who later receive a bipolar diagnosis, it took years before the pattern of mood shifts began to make sense. For years I thought the highs were interpreted as productivity, energy or ambition. The lows were seen as burnout, stress, or simply part of life.”
Understanding the Complexity of Bipolar Disorder
The difficulty in diagnosing bipolar disorder stems from its complex presentation. Dr. Susan Brannick, Clinical Director at Aware, notes that “getting a clear diagnosis can be challenging, taking on average up to 10 years.” She stresses that a “correct diagnosis of both bipolar and the specific type of bipolar a person is experiencing is essential for successful intervention.” Aware, an Irish mental health organization, highlights the importance of recognizing both the depressive and manic/hypomanic phases for accurate assessment.
Julie Reddan, another Aware Lived Experience Ambassador, recounts a similar experience to Bailey’s. “For years I was treated for depression until I was reassessed and bipolar disorder was suggested. On first hearing this, I was in denial until I was told what bipolar is and it was like everything just clicked.” This “clicking” moment – the realization that seemingly disparate experiences were part of a larger pattern – is often a turning point for those finally diagnosed.
The Power of Knowledge and Support
Receiving a diagnosis, even as initially daunting, can be empowering. Bailey describes experiencing “a mixed bag” of emotions, but ultimately found it to be a positive step. “Until I had all the facts, I thought this was kind of a scary sort of diagnosis,” she admits. “But knowledge is power, isn’t it, really? So if you know what you’re dealing with, you can get on the correct path and deal with the correct people.”
Bailey actively sought support and resources, participating in Aware’s eight-week ‘Living Well with Bipolar’ program last year. This program, and similar initiatives, provide individuals with tools and strategies for managing their condition and improving their quality of life. She also emphasizes the importance of open conversation and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. “I think the days of the stigma are slowly kind of passing,” she says. “One of the things that I’ve done actively since my diagnosis is talk to people, speak out and encourage others to do so because we shouldn’t be embarrassed. It’s no different than having something wrong with your physical health.”
The journey with bipolar disorder isn’t always easy, Bailey acknowledges. “It’s not always sunshine and roses, of course not, but I think that with the right help, anybody can look towards a better future.” She stresses the availability of help and encourages those struggling to reach out.
World Bipolar Day, observed annually on March 30th, serves as a crucial opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and provide support for individuals and families affected by bipolar disorder. Understanding the nuances of this condition – from the challenges of diagnosis to the importance of ongoing management – is vital for fostering a more compassionate and informed society.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about bipolar disorder for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, resources are available. You can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or visit their website at https://www.nami.org/. For immediate support, you can also reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or dialing 111 in the UK.
Aware will continue to share stories and resources related to bipolar disorder throughout the year. The organization’s next planned initiative is a series of online workshops focused on coping strategies for managing hypomanic episodes, scheduled to begin in May. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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