The Stigma of Bipolar Disorder is Real
The dictionary defines stigma as “A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.”
By its definition, there is a stigma associated with bipolar disorder. There is “a mark of disgrace” accompanying bipolar disorder and any mental illness, for that matter.
There are several ways we can help to stomp out the stigma of bipolar disorder. We will take a look at some of those ways. However, first, let us look at how and why there is a stigma.
Introduction to Stigma
Learning about mental illness is typically overlooked by the majority unless it directly affects them. I know I fell into this category when I was younger. It wasn’t until I went off to college that I learned about mental health and more specifically, mental illness.
Growing up, I never took a psychology class. I never took a class about mental health or mental illness. I never received any formal education about mental health or mental illness; my knowledge was based on pop culture and the people closest to me. Most of my friends and family knew nothing about bipolar disorder. I know I fell into that group.
So, I completely understand not knowing about bipolar disorder. It is like any illness. Most people do not go out of their way to study a disorder or illness unless you are a medical professional.
A Root of Stigma
Bipolar disorder is an illness. As I mentioned, unless you are a doctor or other medical professional, most people do not take the time to research sickness or other disorders. Even then, medical professionals who do not specialize in psychiatry rarely receive proper training in bipolar disorder (or mental illness and mental health). I say generally because I know many medical professionals have taken the time to get properly educated on the subject.
Now, how is the public supposed to understand bipolar disorder if those who are supposed to be treating it do not even have basic knowledge about it?
Psychiatrists are the specialists. They get extra training on how to treat different mental illnesses and other mental health issues.
The problem arises when general doctors, emergency personnel, and other medical professionals who see patients regularly do not have the training or education to help those suffering from a mood disorder such as bipolar disorder.
Observe how the breakdown in how information is siphoned through the mental health system contributes to the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder. If those who are supposed to know about bipolar disorder do not, how should we expect the general public to understand?
Please, do not get me wrong. I do not intend to point blame. My hope is by pinpointing one of the root causes of stigma, we can take action to reduce it in the future. Simply providing educational courses on the subject of mental that medical professionals can learn from is a great start.
Misconceptions
It is easy to get frustrated with the misinformation plaguing society. You see this misinformation on the news, in daily life, and on the topic of mental health. Specifically, I am speaking of bipolar disorder.
It is easy to clarify some of these misconceptions. The problem is getting the right information for those who need to hear it.
It may not feel like it, but you can make a difference by simply correcting those who are spreading the wrong information. There are several misconceptions that I would like to clear up for you today.
Let us dive right in.
1) Bipolar Disorder is Not Serious
Downplaying the seriousness of bipolar disorder minimizes our daily fight with the bipolar battle. When you hear individuals candidly joke about bipolar disorder, they are contributing to the stigma surrounding it by reducing its seriousness.
Yes, there are degrees of severity for this illness. You can almost see bipolar disorder as a type of spectrum with increasing intensity as you go farther down the line. The severity is regarding the symptomatology of mania (hypomania in bipolar disorder type 2) and depression. However, it does not matter what type of bipolar disorder you are diagnosed with. Bipolar disorder is bipolar disorder.
Actually, if you look at our homepage, you will see the statistic that 82.9% of adults with bipolar disorder have a serious impairment. This means that bipolar disorder seriously impairs their ability to function, and at certain times, they are completely unable to function. I fall within this statistic.
When looking at the type of bipolar disorder, it is just a way to communicate the treatment route you should follow based on the presented symptoms.
I would like to make a side note here. I advocate heavily on Elon Musk’s X. There is a very strong movement on there saying that mental illness is not real. I have been told that it is just a matter of emotional deregulation. That people are unable to properly process their emotions.
I am here to say that this line of thinking is extremely flawed. Yes, everyone experiences the daily ebb and flow of emotions. It is human nature. However, there is an obvious distinction between emotional deregulation and a mood disorder. Bipolar disorder is very real, along with other mental illnesses, and the information these individuals are spreading is both untrue and not founded. It just contributes to the stigma I am trying to eliminate.
The point I am trying to drive home is that bipolar disorder is extremely serious. It is not only an illness about mood fluctuations. Bipolar disorder increases the intensity of these mood fluctuations. It also directly impacts energy level, motivation, and overall ability to function.
Suicide is also a genuine threat. You really can’t get more serious than that.
Is bipolar disorder serious?
You’re damn straight it is!
2) Bipolar Disorder is “The In Thing”
Sensationalizing bipolar disorder is another way to minimize it and further contribute to stigma. You would never sensationalize a physical illness. So, why bipolar disorder?
Celebrities and those in the spotlight are “coming out” with their illness. Please do not get me wrong. I think any way we can open up the conversation about mental illness is a positive step forward. It matters how we go about doing it.
The problem arises when those interpreting these actions digest the information as something cool. After all, a celebrity is talking about it, right? Then, the news spreads about this new exciting, and mysterious phenomenon. In this case, bipolar disorder. Then, people join the hype.
Downplaying the seriousness of bipolar disorder by labeling it as “cool” or trendy is harmful. In turn, this further contributes to stigma.
3) “Everyone Has a Little Bipolar In Them”
You may have already caught on that these misconceptions come back to the idea that bipolar disorder is not serious. People downplay its seriousness, minimize it, or dismiss it altogether.
I understand the entire premise of this statement: “Everyone has a little bipolar in them.” I’ve had many conversations with individuals who feel this particular way, so I get it.
Everyone has varying emotions throughout their lives. Even throughout the normal course of the day. These emotions are completely valid.
The misconception arises with this statement, when people pair the normal ups and downs of life with that of bipolar disorder. They are completely and utterly different. Regarding our previous conversation about my experience with X.
Emotions and mood are different things. Certain emotions accompany mania (hypomania in bipolar disorder type 2) and bipolar depression. However, a mood episode is episodic in nature. Hence the term “episode” and why bipolar disorder is a mood disorder.
Bipolar disorder is serious, and for that reason, only a medical professional can properly diagnose it.
No, everyone does not have a little bipolar in them.
4) You Can Treat Bipolar Disorder With Exercise And A Healthy Diet
If exercise and a healthy diet could effectively treat bipolar disorder, there would be no professional athletes diagnosed with it. Many prominent athletes and Olympians have spoken about their struggles with mental health, like Keith O’Neal and Michael Phelps.
Granted, the seriousness and intensity of symptoms can vary extremely between patients. The first line of attack is the medical model—medication management and talk therapy.
When I was first diagnosed in 1999, my doctors hammered home the idea that I needed medication and therapy. I have learned and am living proof of the importance of medication and therapy in my treatment plan.
For the long-term management of bipolar disorder, I have found that healthy habits and choices also directly impact my success. For example, I follow a strict exercise program lifting weights. I also eat healthy meals, drink plenty of water, and supplement daily.
Exercise and a healthy diet are components you should add to the overall treatment of your bipolar disorder. No, exercise and a healthy diet will not cure bipolar disorder, but they will help you successfully manage it.
5) Bipolar Disorder Is The End of My Life
This could not be further from the truth.
No one wants to hear that they are sick. I completely understand. For me, my diagnosis of bipolar was a welcome relief. I learned that, yes; I was sick, and I could do something about it. It is something I can treat.
I firmly believe that, with the proper treatment, we can successfully manage bipolar disorder. The hard part is navigating the path to the right treatment. It takes patience and discipline. That is why you have both a doctor and a therapist to help guide you. Along with anyone else on your support team as well.
After learning about my diagnosis, I completely changed most of my plans, goals, and aspirations. You see, bipolar disorder sets clear boundaries as to expectations and functionality. It was an extremely humbling experience for me.
With these boundaries, I now know my limitations and strengths. They may not be apparent when you are first diagnosed, but you will discover them with time and further introspection.
Therapy is also a wonderful tool to help build your self-awareness. I want to stress that point as well. It is helpful to have a professional help navigate your journey when learn you have bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is not the end, it is only the beginning.
What Can You Do About Stigma?
Advocates and advocacy groups are ways we can help break down the wall of stigma. That’s what we do here at The Bipolar Battle, Inc. Our mission is to empower those living with bipolar disorder and their love ones. We provide tools and strategies that help do this. Thus, rasising awareness, and this helps to break down the wall of stigma.
We have the power to enlighten those who have the wrong information and do not fully understand bipolar disorder. This can be one person at a time or joining an advocacy group. We have have the power to implement change.
The misconceptions about bipolar disorder are running rampant throughout our society. Most people already have a negative outlook regarding bipolar disorder.
If someone diagnosed you with bipolar disorder, take positive action in your treatment. Work with your doctor, therapist, and loved ones to create a crisis and treatment plan. You can personally help stomp stigma by being a positive role model in how you manage your bipolar. This will show that yes, we have a mental illness, but we still can positively contribute to society.
Last Thoughts
I can’t tell you the number of times I have spoken to people who have no direct experience with bipolar disorder. They tell me all about their perceptions (or misconceptions).
Recently, a guy told me, “You don’t seem like you have bipolar disorder. I thought all of those people with bipolar disorder don’t take their meds and do whatever they want.”
This was an opportunity to educate somebody on the reality of bipolar disorder. I explained to him my story and how I manage my bipolar disorder daily in healthy and proactive ways. I believe he had a lightbulb moment when I concluded sharing all this information with him.
With my treatment plan, I have put myself in the driver’s seat of my own life. I strongly believe that by demonstrating accountability for our illnesses and how being positive contributors to society, we can eliminate stigma.
Yes, it does start with one person.
That person is you!
