Author: Anne Arthur
Source: articleage.com
Copyright 2006 Anne Arthur
Bipolar Disorder and Society: The stigma often associated with
manic depression and other mental disorders is very real. Many
people with bipolar disorder or other mental illnessesare afraid
to share their condition with other people for fear of ridicule
or judgment.
A World Federation for Mental Health study recently revealed
that more than 71% of patients with bipolar disorder felt they
could not reveal their illness to others without being judged.
The stigma is so real in fact many will avoid telling friends or
family of their mental condition. Many people with bipolar
disorder face stigma and discomfort from well-meaning friends
and family members that don’t really understand bipolar disorder.
Many patients are more than happy to share their “up” phases to
the outside world but tend to keep their depression to
themselves.
While people may enjoy being around an upbeat hypomanic
personality, they may find a depressive bipolar less
companionable.
This makes common interactions and social events uncomfortable
at best, and undesirable at worst for many bipolar patients.
It is common for patients with bipolar disorder to feel
misunderstood. Unfortunately even many health care providers
carry with them a biased attitude toward bipolar patients. Many
have a difficult time focusing on the real reason a person is in
their office. Instead they focus on the mental health issue.
Some patients feel cut off by their doctors or disregarded
before they have an opportunity to get at the core of their
problem. Manic patients may leave their doctor’s office without
their dignity and respect.
Respect and Dignity For Mental Health Patients: What is
important for patients and the public at large to realize is
that bipolar patients are people too, people that deserve
compassion, kindness and understanding.
Far too often even well-meaning doctors fall into the trap of
generalizing the public’s health or mental condition.
What is true is that all manic depressive patients are
different. Not all patients are the same and what works for one
may not necessarily work for another.
What the public should also realize is that according to the
National Institutes of Mental Health, roughly one in five people
suffers from some form of mental illness or another.
That means as a patient, you are more part of family than an
outcast.
Most patients with bipolar disorder or some other form of
depression are in fact, more commonly the norm rather than the
exception to the rule.
Understanding this can help promote greater compassion and
acceptance of manic depression and bipolar disorder.
Steps for Overcoming Fear of Bipolar Disorder: If you or a loved
one suffers from bipolar disorder or any other mental illness,
there is hope. There are several strategies you can adopt to
help promote your health and well being.
There are even more steps you can take to help you feel
comfortable and accepted by society at large.
Here are some small steps patients and family members can take
to help overcome the stigma associated with mental illness.
- Always accept your condition for what it is. – Never attempt
to hide your condition for fear that others will be un-accepting
or misunderstand you. – Educate friends and family. Direct them
to a number of sites that help explain bipolar disorder and
other mental illnesses. Great reference sites include the
National Alliance on Mental Illness. – Confidently explain that
one if five people suffers from some form of mental illness or
another. – Remember that you are more an insider than you
realize. – One out of every five of your friends, acquaintances
or associates likely suffers from some form of mental illness.
-Use support groups to help bolster your self confidence and
promote your inner peace and well being. – Remember to always
hold your head high with dignity and respect. Never accept less
than the utmost respect when consulting with friends, family or
your doctor.
A good friend is often a key support figure for patients
suffering from bipolar disorder.
There are various online and offline support groups for patients
with bipolar disorder and manic depression. Be sure you check
some out to find the support you need when treating this complex
and emotional disease.
Remember, there is hope. Bipolar patients are more a member of a
large family than anything else.
Author: Anne Arthur