Community voices reveal progress, pain, and the ongoing challenges of living openly with bipolar disorder.
Between celebrities opening up about their bipolar disorder, more accurate representations in the media, and greater open dialogue about mental health, the perception of people with bipolar has improved in some areas of society.
Still, stigma remains deeply rooted and often shows up in subtle yet damaging ways — from being labeled as “unstable” or “unreliable” to facing discrimination in relationships, the workplace, or even within the healthcare system. For some, the stigma is from within, leading to shame, secrecy, or hesitation to seek treatment.
While progress is real, so is the emotional toll of navigating a world that doesn’t always understand the complexities of this brain-based disorder. The following accounts are not clinical definitions but raw, personal perspectives from our community. These stories reflect the diverse reality of living with bipolar — the setbacks, the small victories, and the ongoing challenges of seeking acceptance.
We turned to our bpHope community on Facebook to see what changes they’ve seen regarding stigma over the past several years. Here’s what they had to say.
Editor’s note: Comments have been edited for length and clarity.
Navigating Workplace Stigma
In the past, I lost a longtime job due to my bipolar disorder, and I was out of the closet at that job. Nowadays, I still feel I need to stay ‘in the closet’ at work. I feel that if my employers found out about my bipolar, they would find a reason to get rid of me. So, in my opinion, the stigma is still out there.
— J.C., Georgia
Stigma is still the same. I cannot tell my employer or coworkers that I have bipolar disorder, for fear that I will lose my job as a substitute teacher. I did speak out at church about my bipolar, and that did feel like a big relief. It had been a secret since I was 19 — decades ago!
— M.P., Illinois
I have lived to see an evolution within my legal profession. Bar admission committees are no longer focusing on diagnosis, but on conduct.
— K.F., Facebook
While I find sharing about my mental health condition with others is easier in the workplace, I believe that we have a long way to go toward complete transparency. Where in the past it took me several years to tell coworkers about it, I now feel comfortable doing so after several months. I hope that after my coworkers have had time to get to know me, they will see that many of us can manage our condition, somewhat like diabetes.
— R.C., British Columbia
I see a bit of difference regarding stigma, but not a lot. I am selective about who I tell that I have bipolar. I fear telling a possible employer in case they silently discriminate and do not hire me. There is still stigma.
— M.L., Nova Scotia
Family and Friends
Every time someone shoots or kills someone, mental illness is the first thing the media brings up. People hear and read this stuff, and they get scared. My friends all know about my bipolar and are very supportive, but I had a daughter-in-law who wouldn’t let me hold my grandson. Didn’t see him for two years after that. Unbelievable!
— J.S., Kentucky
I haven’t seen a lot of change — my daughter is still stigmatized. They judge her badly for her actions, and the understanding comes later — too little, too late. NAMI is active in our area and works to educate police, which helps in our county a little.
— S.A.M., Facebook
Still a lot of bias with Christians who say they don’t believe bipolar disorder is a medical condition — and those who say they understand, but their actions betray their thoughts. I have bipolar disorder myself, and I have had a few Christians with bipolar approach me privately and want me to keep it from the others because of the stigma. Of all people, you would think we Christians would show more love and understanding.
— C.B., Facebook
Educated Christians know this is a disorder that requires medication. I have shared with the pastor and my Bible group that I have bipolar disorder. No judgment; only love, support, and prayers. As far as bipolar disorder being accepted in the workplace, no. I don’t think it ever will be when every news story about mass violence labels the perpetrator as bipolar.
— C.G., Facebook
Self-Protection and Boundaries
Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have mentioned at work that I have bipolar and I was on medication to manage it. I would only share it with a few friends whom I thought would understand. These days, I’m quite open about it. The tide has turned. It’s a social expectation now that people can and do talk openly about mental health, and it’s due not only to anti-stigma campaigns but also to those brave enough to speak up about mental health issues.
— A., Australia
This mental health condition comes with its own shame and guilt. If I had cancer, I would not feel the same as dealing with bipolar psychosis, being hospitalized against my will, and facing legal charges. This does create shame. I would not disclose a physical disability to employers or to people I might meet casually. The fact is that bipolar is not the same as other diseases; it goes deeper into who we are. We are seen and treated differently.
— W.S., California
At work and socially, I’ve heard others talk about people with bipolar in gossipy, hurtful ways. I often wonder what they would think of me if they knew I had it, too. I do find I am hearing the word ‘bipolar’ more on TV, and I think it will help educate the public. And bp Magazine/bpHope has really helped me personally with the stigma I gave myself, and I am grateful for that.
— S.P., Alberta
I have noticed and appreciated that more social media outlets are truly trying to reduce stigma. There are more ‘groups’ for us to share our stories and vent our frustrations.
— L.M., Ontario
The stigma, unfortunately, is still there. I am open to talking about my disorder, but sometimes I find that people can’t handle it. I do believe that fear is the basis for this. What has changed is the wonderful number of forums and sites where we can share our thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
— L.P., Australia
Visibility and Silence
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2005, and at that time, I did not even know what it was. Now, every time I turn around, there is another campaign. I think they are making a difference because more people are aware of bipolar disorder; as a result, they’re understanding it better. I write a blog dedicated to real life with bipolar disorder, and I get considerable positive feedback about how the information fights stigma.
— C.F., Ontario
In my world, stigma has not changed. I am thankful for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) groups, where I can speak my mind without people judging me.
— S.S., Oregon
There has been no change in the last couple of decades. The only people who really understand are people who suffer from bipolar.
— L.C., Facebook
I personally am comfortable in my own skin, and I talk to everyone about my diagnosis when appropriate. Stigma in a small town is huge, but it is getting easier to talk and share, thanks to education and the information available today.
— J.R.C., Florida
I have seen mental health issues openly discussed and accepted more than when I was first diagnosed 30 years ago.
— Name Withheld, Delaware
In my opinion, I believe that there is more tolerance for people with bipolar disorder. Over the last several years alone, there has been a growing trend in Hollywood to make movies, like Silver Linings Playbook, and bring awareness of bipolar to television shows, too. I also think that information on mental health disorders is becoming more available to the public.
— N.F., Kentucky
I do not see anti-stigma campaigns making a huge difference when the media (news, television crime shows, etc.) does the exact opposite. I have found that my own personal story — when shared with those I come in contact with — has made a much greater difference than any campaign. Dialogue opens up more quickly and with less negativity when I share my struggle and survival. At 52, I don’t care whether I am judged. Having bipolar has helped to mold who I am.
— M.K., Florida
The reality is that the great majority of people continue to perceive that having a mental health condition is nothing more than the inability to cope with the stress of everyday life. Sadly, the negative connotations associated with mental health conditions will be with us for years to come.
— T.K., Ontario
What anti-stigma campaigns? We need to do a better job at education and demonstrating a functional person with bipolar working and having a family (or not) and being ‘normal.’ We need to educate on mania, hypomania, rapid cycling, and mixed episodes. We know depression better, but for bipolar, it’s only one side of the coin. More can be done for awareness.
— S., British Columbia
My bipolar disorder has always been handled with a sense of humor. Yes, I’m out of the bipolar closet. I do have serious conversations about it, but not too serious. Most people, I find, are interested in the subject and have some knowledge of it. That is what has changed.
— R.B., California
Stigma still exists, and until the average person educates themselves on mental health conditions and the different thinking patterns — like the ups and downs of someone with bipolar — things will not change. We all need patience, understanding, and compassion for the condition that our loved ones deal with every day. I admire companies like Bell Canada that have committed to bringing information and programs to the general public.
— G.D.C., Ontario
Moving Forward: A Collective Perspective on Stigma
People in our community show that stigma is not the same for everyone. Some see the workplace as a “closet,” where fear of losing their job keeps them from being open. Others find comfort and support in faith groups or online forums, where they receive “love, support, and prayers.” Many also point out that the media often connects brain-based disorders with violence, which only adds to public fear.
Still, things are starting to change. More people feel confident sharing their own “journey of survival,” and they find that talking one-on-one often helps break down bias more effectively than large public campaigns. Even though there is still progress to be made, having more information and stronger community ties is helping people with bipolar live well without feeling ashamed.
UPDATED: Printed as “SoundOFF! on Stigma,” Winter 2015