Why does bipolar disorder have such a bad reputation?

I, myself am bipolar and it's nothing like it's been presented to people. I simply have bouts of depression along with bouts of hyper activity. with meds, it's completely stabilized. I don't understand why people think bipolarism is this horriffic scary disease. I'm sure I'll catch alot of flack for this question. I'm sure I'll get alot of rude comments/answers but I'd like to hear from others who are bipolar. Perhaps there are levels or something