Why is Bipolar Disorder approached with so much Stigma?
Bipolar Disorder. I am sure many of you must have seen or heard these words on multiple occasions. Or perhaps you or someone you know has bipolar disorder. Crazy behavior, manic shrieking, mood swings are stereotypes people associate with bipolar disorder.
But, is there all there is to Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme shifts in mood, ranging from extremely elevated moods called mania to various episodes of depression. Symptoms and the cycles may vary from person to person.
Imagine yourself in a situation; You are meeting a close friend for dinner. You haven’t seen them in a long time. You guys chat, update each other on your lives. After a while, with a serious expression, they hold your hand and inform you that they have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. You flinch and stutter for a while, not wanting to accept it. You nervously make an excuse for leaving and abandon your friend.
How would you feel if you were at the receiving end of this stigma?
As of 2017, around 46 million people were diagnosed with bipolar disorder around the globe. In a study conducted with Argentinian and Canadian patients who had bipolar disorder, when asked if teased, bullied or harassed because of their illness, 47% of the participants said yes.
The amount of shame bracketed with bipolar disorder, or any mental illness for that matter, is astonishing considering the social progress the world has made in the past few years.
People with bipolar disorder are refrained from giving responsibilities to or advised to abstain from getting involved in relationships, in fear of them getting manically high or dangerous to perform their duties. Inability to hold down a job or starting a family are myths connected with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is not synonymous to instability or violence. Neither does it mean making impulsive decisions.
In fact, the truth is that having a mental illness does not alter one’s personality. If anything, their viewpoint on life becomes clearer. They will still be the same friend who comforts you during your lows. They will still be the same sibling who plays pranks on you.
Media plays a major role in promoting or degrading anything in particular. While the media has been supportive of celebrities like Halsey coming out and declaring her diagnosis, is it always the case? The entertainment industry does not lag behind in setting stereotypes. It is certain that the media is progressing, with movies like “Infinitely Polar Bear” and “Mr. Jones” that portray almost accurate characters having bipolar disorder and teach that one can live a full life along with the illness. Some others like “Touched with Fire” and “Mad Love” give out a misleading message by romanticizing the illness.
While bipolar disorder can affect adults as well as children and adolescents, it is crucial to take into notice how the stigma around it can take a major toll on their lives and hold them back from getting the right treatment.
Because of the disgrace designated to the illness as well as the “standards” set by society, men tend to live in darkness. They feel shameful in seeking help and coming forward.
Whilst it is less likely for children and teens to develop bipolar disorder, it is not uncommon. Teens’ behavior, especially, is highly mistaken to be the play of hormones and a part of puberty. Children need the most amount of support and encouragement in such matters, by their family as well as their friends for ignorance could lead to embarrassment, humiliation and some pretty sinister decisions like suicide in the future.
Mental illnesses are not addressed as seriously as physical ones. The world fails to comprehend that they are just as significant.
So, if and when a loved one gets diagnosed in the future with bipolar disorder and is met with challenging times, hug them and assure them that you will be there for them. Instead of backing out, ask them if they need anything.
Eradicate the stigma, for if you don’t, unknowingly, you might be slowly killing the spirit inside a young child overwhelmed with his life.
“Bipolar Disorder is a challenge, but it can set you up to be able to do almost anything else in life.”
-Carrie Fisher
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Until then, take care!
