The Stigma Associated With Bipolar Disorder - 1448 Words

Living with Bipolar Disorder The stigma associated with bipolar disorder is unacceptable. The purpose of this paper is to improve the readers ability to understand what bipolar disorder is and how being diagnosed with this disorder affects all facets of daily living. Family, friends and associates of individuals with bipolar disorder are often affected as well. As a result of the stigma associated with the disorder, the effects remain: often multiplied by individuals that have a limited understanding of the disorder. There are numerous myths related to individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Hopefully a few of these myths will be put to rest after learning more about the disorder. What is bipolar disorder? As defined by the (NIMH 1), â€Å"Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.† Misdiagnosis is often a leading cause of worsening symptoms. Many of the symptoms of bipolar disorder mimic the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Another significant factor toShow MoreRelatedThroughout Lifetime We All Go Through Experiences That1276 Words   |  6 Pagesmelancholy and joyfulness are ordinary human emotions that often do not affect our everyday life. But there is a condition known as Bipolar Disorder that changes all of this. This essay will discuss the stigma and structural violence associated with Bipolar Disorder and mental illness. It will also discuss how popular cultural depicts mental health. Bipolar disorder also known as manic- depressive illness is a chronic mental illness characterized by fluctuations in mood and energy that manifestsRead MoreTreatment For Middle Aged African American Women With Bipolar Disorder849 Words   |  4 Pageswomen with bipolar disorder What is it? Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by drastic mood swings ranging from immense euphoria to extreme depression. People with bipolar disorder are likely to experience a lack of energy, participation in normal social activities, and the ability to complete daily routines. This can cause interpersonal relationships and work-life to suffer. They may also have strong thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide as a result of bipolar disorder. The causeRead MoreBipolar Disorder : The Facts And The Myths900 Words   |  4 PagesRunning head: BIPOLAR DISORDER Bipolar Disorder: The Facts and the Myths John Payne American Public University Abstract This paper is a intended to teach the reader about what Bipolar Disorder is and how it is treated. The facts on bipolar disorder will be discussed, as well as the taboos associated with the disorder and complete myths that have created such stigmas about having and living with bipolar disorder. This paper will discuss what bipolar disorder is, how it is diagnosed, andRead MoreThe Effects Of Bipolar Disorder On Individuals, Families And Society1109 Words   |  5 Pageswill be focusing on one of the more common mental illness — bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a serious medical condition that causes people to have extreme mood swings and these mood swings affect how people think, interact, behave and function (Bipolar Disorder, 2012). Research indicted that one to two percent of adults have bipolar disorder (Bipolar Disorder, 2012). Patients with bipolar disorder will also experience mania which are episodes of â€Å"severeRead M oreThe Other Day, While Visiting Relatives1503 Words   |  7 Pagesemotionally charged. The frustration among my cousins grew, until one accused the other of being â€Å"bipolar†. The â€Å"accuser† in the conversation said that because his brother was â€Å"flaky and could not make up his mind†. When asked, what my cousin meant by saying this, it was explained to us that, because of being indecisive and frequently changing his mind, his brother and his brother’s actions were bipolar. That was the end point of the conversation. Situations like these can be observed pretty frequentlyRead MoreBipolar And Related Disorders : Symptoms And Treatment Of Bipolar Disorder1669 Words   |  7 PagesBipolar and related disorders are lifelong perplexing mental illnesses that are difficult to diagnose and treat. Bipolar illness is a chronic shifting of extreme euphoria (mania) and deep sadness or hopelessness (depressive) episodes, complicated by comorbidities and the potential for poor health outcomes. The occurrence of bipolar disorder (BD) throughout the adult population in the United States is reported to be approximately 5.7 million people each year, with a lifetime prevalence of 3.9 percentRead MoreMental Illness And Psychiatric Disability Essay1406 Words   |  6 Pagesdisability, using bipolar disorder as an example to illustrate these points. Bipolar disorder will also be used to explain the concepts of the medical and social models of disability, highlight the influence these two models could have on people with the disorder and the experiences they might encounter. There will be a focus on some of the experiences a person suffering from mental illness might have in society, the effect these experiences can have on an individual and the influence of stigmas and stereotypesRead MoreBipolar Disorder Is The Leading Cause Of Disability Worldwide Essay1438 Words   |  6 PagesBipolar disorder also known as manic depressive illness is a brain disorder that causes shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out everyday task (National Institute of Mental Health, 2016). Every year, 2.9% of the U.S population is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, with nearly 83% of causes being classified as severe (NAMI). According to Miller, Ghadiali, Larusso, Wahlen, Ani-Barron, Mittal, Greene (2015), bipolar disorder is the leading cause of disability worldwide. MostRead MoreAn Understanding Of The Minds Of Madness927 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Minds of Madness Dr. Jamison the author of An Unquiet Mind, recaptures her life in the world of manic depressive disorder, later to be categorized as bipolar 1. She explains in great detail the symptoms she undergoes through her life and how they affected her everyday living. Besides the recount of her symptoms divulges how she coped and overcame the obstacles of her disorder. She also allows the reader to know the struggles she had with her treatments as she went through life till she wasRead MoreMental Health Disorders And Its Effects On Children And Society1626 Words   |  7 PagesRelated issues Mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder and ADHD creates a burden on affected children and society at large. Commonly identified issues include financial impact on the family, effect of the illness on the child, social issues, occupational and academic functioning, racial impact, effects on family, stigma of the illness, suicide, economic burden on society, role of healthcare providers and cultural issues. Role of religion Whenever a child is diagnosed with a mental illness