Accepting that you have an illness is the quickest way to recovery, or at least stability, when it comes to mental illness. However one of the biggest hurdles we have to jump is the social stigma that surrounds it.
Most often stigma against people with mental illness involves inaccurate and hurtful representations of them based primarily on misconceptions and fear of the unknown. I figured I would address some of the more common ones about Bipolar Disorder in an attempt to fill the knowledge gap.
Myths & Misconceptions:
#1 “People who are depressed all of the time need to snap out of it. ...Or get more exercise. Or smile. Or read the Bible. Or just not let it get to them”.
The truth: Depression has nothing to do with being lazy or weak. It results from changes in brain chemistry or brain function, and medication and/or psychotherapy often help people to recover.
#2 “Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings ranging from severely depressed to wildly manic”.
The truth: Not necessarily. Most people with bipolar disorder are depressed far more often than they are manic. Often, the manias are so subtle that they are overlooked by both patient and psychiatrist, resulting in misdiagnosis. People with bipolar disorder can also enter long periods of remission.
#3 “When they're in the manic phase, people with bipolar disorder are often very happy”.
The truth: Although people tend to think that manic periods “balance” depressive periods and are good “trade-offs,” this perception is inaccurate for most people with bipolar disorder. Manic episodes are characterized by intense feelings of restlessness, anxiety and poor judgment that can lead to excessive spending, alcohol or drug use, unsafe sex and other problems. While some people have mild manic periods (hypomania)—in which they experience feelings of elation, lots of physical energy and a positive outlook—without proper treatment, hypomania can become severe mania in some people, or can switch to depression.
#4 “Bipolar disorder only affects mood”.
The truth: Bipolar disorder also affects your energy level, judgment, memory, concentration, appetite, sleep patterns, interpersonal relationships, sex drive, and self-esteem. Additionally, bipolar disorder has been linked to anxiety, substance abuse, and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, migraines, and high blood pressure.
While the stigma associated with a number of health and social issues has gradually improved, there is still considerable stigma associated with mental illness. The more knowledge each and every one of us has the more we become powerful against stigma.
Do your part in the War Against Stigma:
1. Educate yourself about mental illness. Having the facts can help you challenge the misinformation that leads to stigma.
2. Support those with mental health issues. Treat them with respect. Encourage them to get or stick with treatment.
3. Share your story. If you or someone in your family has a mental illness, speak up about it. Your example could help someone else.
4. Share my story! Share the link to my blog with people you know and ask them to become a follower!
