Stigma of Bipolar Disorder

Millions of Americans suffer from bipolar disorder annually, a mental health disorder characterized by mood swings of euphoria and depression. Even though this and other mental health disorders are common throughout the world today, stigmas associated with them can make everyday living very difficult.

Prevalence

• Just over 5.5 million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder each year, including approximately 750,000 children and adolescents. Both men and women are at an equal risk for bipolar disorder. Some well-known individuals who have had or who are suffering from bipolar disorder include Richard Dreyfuss, Patty Duke, Ray Davies and Mel Gibson.

Embarrassment

• The American Psychological Association (APA) took a survey in 2004 on therapy and mental health disorders. Nearly 30 percent of people said that they would be concerned or embarrassed if other people knew they received mental health treatment for bipolar disorder.

Avoidance

• There remains a large stigma associated with bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders in American society. In fact, twenty percent of Americans reported that they might avoid counseling or psychotherapy treatments because of this stigma.

Misconceptions

• Many people mistakenly think that bipolar disorder means that a person is insane or psychotic, perhaps because of the alternative names for the disorder: mania and manic depression. On the contrary, bipolar disorder is characterized by a dramatic shift in mood swings, but is effectively managed if treated properly with medication and psychotherapy.

Troubles at Work

• Individuals with bipolar disorder often have trouble relating to co-workers if their 'secret' about their mental health disorder gets out and many fear that their bosses will treat them differently. In fact, a report by ABC News in 2008 stated that those with bipolar disorder are 40 percent less likely to seek employment or hold a job.