From Outcast To Insider: Overcoming The Stigma of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder and Society:or another.
The stigma often associated with manic depressionThat means as a patient, you are more part of family
and other mental disorders is very real. Many peoplethan an outcast.
with bipolar disorder or other mental illnessesare afraidMost patients with bipolar disorder or some other form
to share their condition with other people for fear ofof depression are in fact, more commonly the norm
ridicule or judgment.rather than the exception to the rule.
A World Federation for Mental Health study recentlyUnderstanding this can help promote greater
revealed that more than 71% of patients with bipolarcompassion and acceptance of manic depression and
disorder felt they could not reveal their illness to othersbipolar disorder.
without being judged.Steps for Overcoming Fear of Bipolar Disorder:
The stigma is so real in fact many will avoid tellingIf you or a loved one suffers from bipolar disorder or
friends or family of their mental condition. Many peopleany other mental illness, there is hope. There are
with bipolar disorder face stigma and discomfort fromseveral strategies you can adopt to help promote your
well-meaning friends and family members that don'thealth and well being.
really understand bipolar disorder.There are even more steps you can take to help you
Many patients are more than happy to share their "up"feel comfortable and accepted by society at large.
phases to the outside world but tend to keep theirHere are some small steps patients and family
depression to themselves.members can take to help overcome the stigma
While people may enjoy being around an upbeatassociated with mental illness.
hypomanic personality, they may find a depressive- Always accept your condition for what it is.
bipolar less companionable.- Never attempt to hide your condition for fear that
This makes common interactions and social eventsothers will be un-accepting or misunderstand you.
uncomfortable at best, and undesirable at worst for- Educate friends and family. Direct them to a number
many bipolar patients.of sites that help explain bipolar disorder and other
It is common for patients with bipolar disorder to feelmental illnesses. Great reference sites include the
misunderstood. Unfortunately even many health careNational Alliance on Mental Illness.
providers carry with them a biased attitude toward- Confidently explain that one if five people suffers
bipolar patients. Many have a difficult time focusing onfrom some form of mental illness or another.
the real reason a person is in their office. Instead they- Remember that you are more an insider than you
focus on the mental health issue.realize.
Some patients feel cut off by their doctors or- One out of every five of your friends, acquaintances
disregarded before they have an opportunity to get ator associates likely suffers from some form of mental
the core of their problem. Manic patients may leaveillness. -Use support groups to help bolster your self
their doctor's office without their dignity and respect.confidence and promote your inner peace and well
Respect and Dignity For Mental Health Patients:being.
What is important for patients and the public at large to- Remember to always hold your head high with
realize is that bipolar patients are people too, peopledignity and respect. Never accept less than the utmost
that deserve compassion, kindness and understanding.respect when consulting with friends, family or your
Far too often even well-meaning doctors fall into thedoctor.
trap of generalizing the public's health or mentalA good friend is often a key support figure for patients
condition.suffering from bipolar disorder.
What is true is that all manic depressive patients areThere are various online and offline support groups for
different. Not all patients are the same and whatpatients with bipolar disorder and manic depression. Be
works for one may not necessarily work for another.sure you check some out to find the support you need
What the public should also realize is that according towhen treating this complex and emotional disease.
the National Institutes of Mental Health, roughly one inRemember, there is hope. Bipolar patients are more a
five people suffers from some form of mental illnessmember of a large family than anything else.