Raising Awareness about Bipolar Disorder

Living with Bipolar Disorder brings out many social, emotional, and practical challenges. But there are approaches to help cope with what you or your loved one is facing on a daily basis. When you seek help from mental help experts, they can offer you suggestions or additional information on coping skills that have worked for others. They may even connect you with some people facing similar situations or some support groups. 

Bipolar Disorder
Emotional Challenges

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder leave you facing many emotional challenges. Other than treatment, it is important that you look towards people that live with bipolar disorder to help you cope or simply just inspire you. Ask your therapist or doctor about local support groups where you can meet others who have bipolar disorder. Meeting people who have undergone the same types of situations can help provide you emotional support that you need to deal with day to day living and social issues, like the mental health stigmas.  

Psychological Therapies 

Meeting with a therapist can help you cope with your disorder in a variety of ways. He or she will also have suggestions to help you decide whether you should tell your friends, family, and boss about your health. You may also find it helpful to ask your therapist if psychotherapy sessions can be part of your regular treatment plan. 

Overcoming the Stigma Around Bipolar Disorder

Stigmatizing experiences are very common in our society for people living with bipolar disorder. These experiences are major challenges to recovery and overall quality of life and well being. Yet, addressing stigmas can be complex and difficult. To address any type of stigma there are certain steps you need to take.

The first is to get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment, but do not let the fear of being labeled with mental disorder prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can help you provide relief by identifying by identifying what is wrong and how it is affecting your life. 

Second, do not let any stigma create self-doubt or shame. Sometimes, a person might mistakenly believe that his condition is a sign of personal weakness. Do not let self-stigma control your condition. Go in for some counseling, educate yourself, connect with people, become aware of your bipolar disorder, and gain your self-esteem back. 

Third, do not consider you and your illness as one. You are not a mental illness. So instead of saying, “I am bipolar”, say “I have Bipolar”.

Along with the above, join a support group and increase awareness of stigmas and their consequences. Try to reduce the psychological and social impact of a stigma. Improve feelings of self-efficacy and empowerment. Teach strategies for managing and overcoming stigma experiences.

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