Stigma and Bipolar Disorder

Stigma and Bipolar Disorder

Stigma may be a menacing force, but we can and MUST work together to confront it, challenge it, and one day extinguish it!!

Misinformation

Stigma results when a certain group is labeled as contaminated or less worthy simply because they possess particular characteristics.

Despite the fact that research shows the biological nature of bipolar, society is still intolerant of people that has a psychiatric diagnosis. Such ignorance can lead to people being unwilling to work with, socialize with, or even live next door to a person who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

We can use our own stories to inform and educate others about this disorder and its symptoms. Confront others with that if you feel comfortable. If you choose to divulge your own diagnosis, be stoic about your symptoms and reiterate the strategies that help you to stay in balance. Write a letter to your local newspaper, or take part in a public awareness event. You can learn more about efforts to eradicate stigma at NAMIs stigma-free campaign: wwww.nami.org/stigmafree.

Misperception

Those of us that have to live with a mood disorder knows what it feels like to have people avoid use or use demeaning language about us (Hes crazy, you know). We have had acquaintances distance themselves from us instead of dealing with our bipolar eccentricity. People may even discredit the truth of what were living with on a daily basis. That is like someone telling a person with bipolar you are too smart to have bipolar. Hearing that can make that person feel pretty darned stupid, as if they made up their diagnosis.

We have all heard other people say, bipolar disorder is all in your head. In reality, those kinds of myths are in THEIR heads, and we must all do what we can do to change their view point about bipolar by letting them know that it is a treatable condition. Otherwise, they will continue to believe the falsehoods and perpetuate stigma.

Dehumanization

When you reduce someone to a diagnosis, you negate him or her as a single human being. Sometimes we do that to ourselves as well. In support groups, a person might introduce themselves and say, Im bipolar. We are not bipolar, we HAVE bipolar. There is a huge difference and it is an important distinction: having bipolar does not define who you are.

We need to learn not to dwell too much on the fact that we have this chronic condition. We need to show people what else defines us, what we are made of, like us having a sense of humor. When you give others a glimpse of what makes you special, you give them less of a chance of seeing you as nothing more than a set of symptoms and a diagnosis.

Discrimination

Years ago, there was this director of quality control for a major corporation. Shortly after receiving a 95% approval rating for a company wide seminar they presented, they were terminated-there was just something not quite right about them. They didnt pursue the matter legally because their attorney advised that it would be too taxing on everyone involved. Today, however, they might be more willing to take it to court. There is much admiration for those that do that. At a minimum, they could seek out other employers that are sensitive to mental health issues and are willing to offer reasonable accommodation.

Even though it can be overwhelming, we cant let fear stop us from stamping out stigma. Educate ourselves and others about the true nature of mental health issues like bipolar disorder.Stigma may be a formidable force, but we can and MUST confront it head on one day (hopefully) we can eradicate it altogether.

You cant know what others may be thinking of you and there is no way you can change yourself because of it. You need to focus on dealing with your bipolar depression, mania, and anxieties regardless of any stigma you may experience. Whats important is your wellness and not the unfair judgements others may make about you. Also, remember that not everyone feels negatively about those with a mental illness, and those are the people you need in your life. Keep your heads up, keep smiling and keep going, dont let stigma (and those that spread negativity) bring you down.

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