Knowing what not to say to a bipolar person is essential. Certain phrases can invalidate their experience, increase stigma, and make managing bipolar disorder emotionally harder than it already is.
Language shapes how people experience care, connection, and understanding. When interacting with someone who has bipolar disorder, words can either support healing or unintentionally cause harm. Bipolar disorder affects mood, energy, behavior, and thought patterns in ways that are often invisible to others. That makes thoughtful communication especially important.
Many harmful comments are not meant to be cruel. They are often rooted in misunderstanding, stereotypes, or discomfort around mental health. Learning what not to say to a bipolar person helps create safer relationships and reduces the emotional burden people already carry.3
25 Things Not To Say To Those With Bipolar Disorder
1. “Everyone has mood swings.”
This statement minimizes bipolar disorder by equating it with everyday emotional changes. Bipolar disorder involves clinically significant shifts in mood, energy, sleep, and behavior that can disrupt daily life, relationships, and work. Comparing it to normal mood changes dismisses the seriousness of the condition and can make a person feel misunderstood or invalidated.
2. “Just calm down.”
Telling someone with bipolar disorder to calm down suggests their emotional state is a choice. During manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes, emotional regulation is not simply a matter of willpower. This phrase can feel dismissive and may increase frustration, shame, or emotional distress.
3. “Are you manic right now?”
Using diagnostic terms casually can feel invasive and reduce a person to their condition. It can also make them feel constantly monitored or judged rather than supported. Emotional reactions do not always mean someone is experiencing a clinical episode, and labeling them can damage trust.
4. “You don’t seem bipolar.”
Bipolar disorder does not look the same for everyone. Many people manage symptoms quietly or appear outwardly stable while struggling internally. This comment can discourage people from opening up and reinforce the false idea that mental illness must be visibly obvious.
5. “It’s all in your head.”
This phrase dismisses bipolar disorder as imaginary or exaggerated. While symptoms occur in the brain, they are real, medically recognized, and often require treatment. Saying this reinforces stigma and may prevent someone from seeking help or continuing care.
6. “You should stop taking medication.”
Medication decisions should only be made with a licensed mental health professional. Suggesting someone stop their medication can be dangerous and may lead to relapse or severe mood episodes. This comment undermines medical care and can put someone’s health at risk.
7. “You’re just being dramatic.”
Emotional intensity is often part of bipolar disorder, especially during mood episodes. Dismissing these experiences as drama invalidates real feelings and may cause someone to suppress emotions instead of seeking support.
8. “Everyone feels depressed sometimes.”
While sadness is universal, bipolar depression is deeper, longer-lasting, and often debilitating. This comparison minimizes the severity of depressive episodes and ignores how profoundly they can affect functioning and quality of life.
9. “Try thinking positive thoughts.”
Positive thinking alone does not treat bipolar disorder. While mindset can support recovery, mood episodes are driven by complex biological and psychological factors. This statement oversimplifies the condition and can make someone feel blamed for their symptoms.
10. “You were so productive last week.”
Comments like this can unintentionally glorify hypomanic or manic periods while highlighting current struggles. This may create pressure to perform, increase guilt during low-energy phases, and reinforce unrealistic expectations.
11. “Are you using your diagnosis as an excuse?”
This implies dishonesty or laziness rather than acknowledging real limitations caused by bipolar disorder. It can erode trust and discourage people from being open about their needs or struggles.
12. “You don’t need therapy.”
Therapy is often an essential part of managing bipolar disorder, helping individuals recognize triggers, develop coping strategies, and maintain stability. Dismissing therapy undermines a key component of treatment.
13. “Just push through it.”
Pushing through severe symptoms can worsen episodes and delay recovery. Rest, treatment adjustments, and support are often necessary. This phrase places unrealistic expectations on someone whose condition may limit their capacity.
14. “You were fine yesterday.”
Bipolar disorder can involve rapid changes in mood and functioning. This comment implies inconsistency is a flaw rather than a symptom and can make someone feel misunderstood or pressured to explain themselves.
15. “Maybe you’re misdiagnosed.”
Questioning a diagnosis without medical expertise can undermine confidence in treatment and providers. It may also make someone second-guess their experiences and delay necessary care.
16. “You’re overreacting.”
This dismisses emotional pain and can discourage honest expression. What seems excessive to one person may feel overwhelming to someone experiencing a mood episode.
17. “Why can’t you be consistent?”
Consistency is often difficult when symptoms fluctuate. This question can feel accusatory and ignores the unpredictable nature of bipolar disorder.
18. “Have you tried exercising more?”
While exercise can support mental health, it is not a cure. Suggesting lifestyle changes as a solution can feel dismissive when someone is already following a treatment plan.
19. “Other people have it worse.”
Pain is not a competition. Comparing struggles minimizes personal experiences and can make someone feel guilty for seeking support.
20. “You should just be grateful.”
Gratitude does not eliminate symptoms or prevent episodes. This statement can make someone feel ashamed for struggling despite positive aspects of their life.
21. “Your moods affect everyone.”
While relationships may be impacted, focusing solely on others can increase guilt and shame. Supportive conversations should balance accountability with compassion.
22. “You’re too smart to struggle like this.”
Mental illness affects people regardless of intelligence, education, or success. This statement reinforces harmful myths and invalidates lived experience.
23. “You don’t act sick.”
Many people mask symptoms to function socially or professionally. This comment ignores internal struggles and reinforces the idea that illness must be visible to be real.
24. “You’ll grow out of it.”
Bipolar disorder is typically a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. Suggesting it will disappear minimizes the importance of long-term care.
25. “Why can’t you just be normal?”
This is deeply stigmatizing and implies that having bipolar disorder is a personal failure. It reinforces shame and can damage self-esteem and relationships.
Offering Support Options
Understanding what not to say to a bipolar person is a powerful step toward meaningful support. Respectful communication builds trust and encourages individuals to seek professional care rather than hide symptoms. True support involves listening, learning, and validating experiences without judgment.
Mighty Mental Health is a psychiatry and medication management practice serving Las Vegas and Summerlin, NV, offering compassionate care for individuals living with bipolar disorder. We provide telehealth visits and in-office consultations, making treatment accessible and flexible.
Our comprehensive treatment plans may include psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy recommendations, all tailored to the individual. Care is provided by our experienced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Barbra Scheirer, who focuses on long-term stability and quality of life.
Mighty Mental Health accepts Nevada Medicaid, CareSource, Silver Summit, Health Plan of Nevada, Molina, and Anthem. If you or a loved one needs support, contact us today at 702-479-1600 or through our contact form to begin care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I support someone with bipolar disorder?
Listen without judgment, encourage treatment, respect boundaries, and educate yourself about bipolar disorder to reduce stigma and misunderstanding.
Can bipolar disorder be treated?
Yes. Bipolar disorder is treatable with medication, therapy, and consistent psychiatric care tailored to individual needs.
Why is language important for people with bipolar disorder?
Language influences self-worth, trust, and willingness to seek help. Respectful words reduce stigma and promote healing.