Removing the Stigma of Bipolar Disorder

For people with bipolar disorder, the stigma of mental health issues can be significant, affecting relationships, friendships, and even work life. New medications and a willingness to speak out about this condition may help people with bipolar disorder live better lives as advocates work to break down barriers and create a pattern of education instead of shame. Celebrities are helping to remove some of the stigma, also. 

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition marked by fluctuations in energy, activity levels, and mood. A person with this condition may experience manic episodes where they have an excess of energy, act impulsively, and seem “up” for hours or days. Then they may have times where they’re very depressed and unhappy, cry frequently, and don’t feel like doing anything. 

Not only does this condition make life difficult for the people who have it, but it can also be difficult for those around them, who may not understand their actions or the changes in their mood or who may struggle with the ups and downs of this condition as it impacts home life.

The Stigma of Bipolar Disorder

A stigma has developed around mental health in general—one that includes fear, judgment and misunderstanding—but it's particularly egregious around bipolar disorder due to the possible mood swings and erratic behaviors the disorder can produce. People who struggle with bipolar disorder are often labeled unfairly for their changes in moods, plans, and feelings. They may lose jobs or have trouble with relationships due to their condition, as well, and that can make it difficult for them to find the support they need to manage treatment.

When someone has bipolar disorder, they may avoid dislosure because of the automatic assumptions that come with mental health conditions, further isolating them.

Celebrities Standing Up for Mental Health Issues

One person not hiding what he’s going through in his struggle with bipolar disorder is Kanye West, who has spoken out about his condition in an effort to help other people feel comfortable speaking out about theirs. While some have mocked West for his changes in mood and his public stance about why it was occurring, others have taken the issue seriously and offered their admiration and respect for speaking up about a difficult issue. By talking about his own struggles with bipolar disorder, West may help others with the condition decide to be more open about what they face and how their friends and family members can help. Mariah Carey, Carrie Fisher, Brian Wilson, Demi Lovato, Mel Gibson, and many others have also come forward to stand up for bipolar representation and to advocate for others who, like them, struggle with the disorder.

For anyone who has bipolar disorder, or who’s seeing its symptoms in their life and considering what to do next, reaching out to a mental health professional is an important first step—but of course that may feel daunting. With the right medications and treatment, it’s much easier to manage this disorder and live a happier, healthier life. Management can help tremendously and this may be one case where looking to celebrity examples can help release the fear and help someone move toward taking control and getting help. Reaching out also helps to break the stigma of mental health, which can set a good example to help others improve their lives, as well.  Most of all, be kind to others who are struggling and to yourself if you're struggling. Nothing about this is easy but there is help if you reach out.

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