Navigating Life with Bipolar Disorder

Handling Stigma, Daily Obstacles, and Beyond

Living with bipolar disorder presents emotional, practical, and social obstacles. Fortunately, there are proven methods to help you or your loved one manage these challenges every day. Seeking support from your healthcare team is crucial—they can provide effective strategies, connect you with others facing similar experiences, and assist in integrating solutions into your routine. The essential first step is reaching out for help.

Emotional Struggles

Bipolar disorder symptoms often lead to emotional difficulties. Beyond medical treatments, connecting with individuals who truly understand mental health challenges is vital. Ask your healthcare provider about local support groups or consider joining online communities where you can share experiences and find encouragement.

Engaging with others who have similar journeys offers emotional backing and access to valuable resources that can aid your coping process.

Psychotherapy Options

Consider exploring talk therapy. Working with a therapist can help you navigate your condition, including decisions about disclosing your diagnosis to employers, family, or friends. Discuss with your doctor whether psychotherapy can be incorporated into your treatment plan.

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Building Healthy Relationships

Beyond family, it’s important to communicate with romantic partners. Bipolar disorder can influence your intimate life, and ensuring your partner understands your experience is key to fostering a strong, supportive relationship.

Conquering Stigma

Mental health stigma is widespread, but bipolar disorder often faces particularly harsh misconceptions. Media portrayals frequently depict individuals with bipolar disorder as unstable or dangerous, which is misleading and harmful.

Those affected may encounter discrimination at work, school, or social settings like religious groups or clubs. They might experience social exclusion, ridicule, or misunderstanding from acquaintances, friends, and even family members.

Stigma typically arises from ignorance, fear, or prejudice. Common reactions to disclosing bipolar disorder include:

• "Everyone acts bipolar these days" (ignorance)
• "Oh, you’re one of those? That’s tough" followed by distancing (prejudice and fear)
• "You’re just being dramatic" (ignorance)
• "Are you going to lose control and harm others?" (ignorance and fear)

Such stigma often causes individuals to hide their diagnosis or feel ashamed, preventing them from seeking necessary treatment and support.

What Not to Say to Someone with Bipolar Disorder

Raising Awareness

Educating others is a powerful way to combat stigma. When people gain accurate knowledge about bipolar disorder, they begin to see beyond misconceptions and fears.

It’s equally important to challenge negative self-perceptions. Remember, your diagnosis doesn’t define you. Confidence in yourself can inspire understanding and acceptance in those around you.

This process takes time and effort, but each step forward benefits both you and the wider mental health community.

Using Respectful Language

According to a 2013 study in the Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, person-first language helps emphasize that a diagnosis is only one aspect of a person’s identity.

For example, say:

• "They are living with bipolar disorder" or "They have a bipolar disorder diagnosis" instead of "They are bipolar."
• "They have a mental health challenge" instead of derogatory terms like "mentally ill" or "crazy."

Preventing Substance Misuse

Dealing with bipolar disorder can be overwhelming, and some individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Research from 2017 indicates that nearly half of people with bipolar disorder experience substance abuse at some point.

Those with bipolar disorder are more prone to using substances such as cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, cannabinoids, and hallucinogens compared to individuals with other psychiatric conditions.

Co-occurring bipolar disorder and substance abuse often share characteristics like:

• Impaired daily functioning
• Slower recovery processes
• Lower medication adherence
• Reduced quality of life
• Increased risk-taking and lowered inhibitions
• Heightened risk of suicide

If you experience suicidal thoughts, reach out immediately to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for professional support. In emergencies, call 911 without delay.

Explore more mental health resources through our National Helpline Database.

If you suspect a tendency toward substance misuse, discuss this openly with your healthcare provider. They can offer guidance to avoid substances and effectively manage bipolar symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder in Children

Learn more about:

• Conditions A-Z
• Bipolar Disorder
• Living With

References

1. Inder ML, Crowe MT, Luty SE, et al. Rates of suicide attempts and self-injury among youth with bipolar disorder in psychotherapy. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2016;50(2):167-173. doi:10.1177/0004867415622268
2. Ellison N, Mason O, Scior K. Public attitudes toward bipolar disorder: Examining stigma models. J Affect Disord. 2015;175:116-123. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2014.12.047
3. Messer T, Lammers G, Müller-Siecheneder F, Schmidt RF, Latifi S. Substance abuse in bipolar disorder patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res. 2017;253:338-350. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.02.067

By Marcia Purse
Marcia Purse is a mental health advocate and writer who combines thorough research with personal insight to raise awareness about bipolar disorder.

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