When you hear the words, bipolar disorder what comes to mind? If it’s not exactly a ‘positive’ answer, don’t fret – you are in the majority.
The stigma against bipolar disorder has plagued every country around the world. However, stigma and negative stereotypes arise for two reasons: misinformation or a lack of education.
The good news? Both root causes can be fixed. Whilst it may not be the easiest task to unlearn decades of fear and judgment toward those with bipolar disorder, it can be done.
Let’s talk about what exactly bipolar disorder is and what it is not, as well as how you can do your part in reducing the stigma and supporting those around you.
So, What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder was previously known as manic depression. A mental health condition in which a person swings from extremely elevated highs (mania) to dark and hopeless lows (depression).
Bipolar disorder is characterised by stark changes in both mood and energy levels that can impact every area of an individual’s life. From their relationships, work performance, family obligations, and much more, there is no aspect left untouched.
These episodes can cause a great deal of dysfunction, even when periods of rest come in between.
The most classic display of bipolar disorder is when manic episodes alternate between severe depressive episodes.
However, there are actually four main types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar 1: This form of bipolar disorder involves one or more manic episodes occurring (with or without depressive episodes in between). These episodes must last 7 days at least to be formally diagnosed.
- Bipolar 2: The second form of bipolar disorder, bipolar 2 is characterised by a regular shifting between manic and depressive episodes, however, they are not as severe as other forms.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: This form of bipolar disorder is diagnosed when episodes of depression and mania have alternated consistently for over 2 years. While normal moods may occur, they last less than 8 weeks.
- Unspecified: Every human being is unique. Sometimes patients will experience depressive episodes in addition to manic episodes that do not exactly fit the criteria above. When this happens, they are often diagnosed with an unknown type.
What Bipolar Disorder Is NOT:
Whilst it is incredibly important to understand what bipolar is, and how it can affect those suffering, it is equally as crucial to discuss what it is not.
Bipolar disorder is not rare. In fact, 1.8 million people in the UK alone are living with bipolar disorder. That is nearly 1 in every 50! Chances are, you know someone with bipolar disorder (whether they are formally diagnosed or not).
Bipolar disorder is not someone simply ‘being moody’. The extreme highs and lows that are experienced with bipolar are very different from feeling cranky, or grouchy. These mood swings cannot be cured with a funny movie, ice cream run, or long hug.
Bipolar disorder is not a sudden, instant mood swing mid-conversation. This is a huge misconception. Have you ever experienced someone lash out suddenly? Others around then make remarks like, “I swear he’s bipolar”.
However, this is a common misconception. These extreme mood swings do not happen in a split second. Instead, they are extended periods of time (between a few days to a few weeks) where an individual will feel either extreme happiness, motivation, and energy or fatigue, depression, and loneliness.
The Stigma Against Bipolar Disorder
Every mental health condition has a stigma attached to it. Some attribute this to centuries of misinformation and fear towards mental health. Others may have been raised in a home where mental illness was a forbidden topic of conversation. Whatever the reason may be, bipolar disorder is not exempt.
Stigma is defined as an intolerant, discriminatory view towards others that may be different than you.
Bipolar stigma may look like:
- Bullying, harassing, or teasing
- Unfair treatment
- A denial of rights
- Restricted work opportunities
- Family members or friends expressing negative attitudes, comments, remarks, or questions
- Less quality healthcare
Individuals with bipolar disorder are often portrayed as “crazy”, “violent”, or “unhinged” in movies and other forms of entertainment. This can cause mass groups of people to think of others with bipolar disorder in a skewed, stereotypical light.
Instead of taking the life of someone with bipolar disorder at face value, many people attribute this mental health condition to an individual’s entire persona. Because of stigma, it can be difficult to separate the person from the disorder.
Oftentimes, blanket assumptions are made about those living with bipolar such as their inability to work, raise children, or take care of a home. All of which are untrue.
How to Help Break the Stigma of Bipolar Disorder
There is no doubt about it: educating others about bipolar disorder is the most effective way to reduce stigma. As we discussed, stigma occurs because of misinformation or a lack of proper education surrounding a condition. When we share with others what we know, we help them see those with bipolar disorder differently.
This can be done through:
- Media reports about bipolar disorder that are accurate and unbiased
- Sharing the viewpoints of someone living with bipolar disorder
- Highlighting stories of successful treatment
- Showcasing individuals with bipolar disorder that have gone on to live happy, fulfilling lives
- Reporting on challenges individuals with bipolar disorder face
- Being mindful of our language:
- Instead of saying: “a bipolar person” say, “a person with bipolar disorder” this helps separate the diagnosis from the individual’s entire life.
- Instead of saying: “This person is mentally ill” say, “this person has a mental illness”. Why? They are still a person first and foremost.
- Instead of saying: “This person is suffering from bipolar disorder” say, “This person is living with bipolar disorder”. Why? It is more respectful and empowering to the other person.
Living with bipolar disorder is by no means easy. Not only do individuals have to manage hypomanic episodes in between periods of severe depression, but they are also subject to negative stereotypes and unhelpful stigma.
It is entirely possible to live a full, meaningful life, even amidst a bipolar diagnosis.
Educating yourself, and others about this condition is the first step in helping create a more accepting society. Everyone deserves to feel welcomed and supported, no matter what.
Orchestrate Health offers bespoke mental health services that people can access from the comfort of their own home or within their community, with rapid response times and even daily visits if needed. Orchestrate Health can provide help for those struggling with bipolar disorder, and remove the inconvenience of travelling to and from appointments.
Resources:
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/May-2021/Myths-and-Facts-of-Bipolar-Disorder
https://www.verywellhealth.com/bipolar-disorder-stigma-5211304#toc-reducing-bipolar-disorder-stigma
