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BIPOLAR & STIGMA FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS: FROM BIPOLAR-BABE

Those who suffer from [bipolar disorder] are often falsely labeled as crazy, dangerous, or even as having multiple personalities … many people fail to seek help out of shame or embarrassment,” says Hobbs.

She says bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a chronic condition characterized with periods of highs, or mania, and periods of devastating lows. Unlike a cardiac disorder or diabetes, the effects of mental illness are easy to ignore or misinterpret.

Hobbs also says that those with invisible disabilities are often unfairly characterized and judged, and that many people regard mental health disorders to be simply an inability to control oneself, a weakness, or a character flaw. She’s troubled by the notion that many people don’t see the illness as “real” since mental illnesses are characterized by behavioral symptoms. According to Hobbs, these views have become so instilled in our society that sufferers of mental health disorders often internalize these ideas and, as a result, do not seek help, or discontinue treatment.

Hobbs points out that bipolar disorder is a treatable disorder and one with which most of those diagnosed can lead healthy, productive lives.

“In my opinion, the biggest impact being diagnosed with bipolar disorder has on one’s life is dealing with the stigma associated with it, both internally and externally,” says Hobbs.

Like Paquette and Hobbs, self-described bipolar “survivor” Julia Markus knows what it takes to overcome stigma and adversity. She ran a non-governmental organization for nearly a decade, and after meeting Paquette at a professional training and development seminar, was inspired by Paquette’s enthusiasm for her anti-stigma project. Markus is also disapproving of pushing things into corners and not talking about them.

“Whether it’s [about] a mental illness, or what it’s like to live with cancer or menopause … it makes people who are living with those conditions feel shunned and belittled as if … their situation isn’t good enough to be part of a conversation,” says Markus.

Hobbs points out that even though many people are diagnosed when they are young, statistics show that most of those with bipolar disorder are in their 20s before a diagnosis is made. She says that it’s critical to move against stigma in young people before it takes root.