The negativity associated with mental illness has been a deep rooted problem that not

only has affected me, but millions of those who suffer from emotional instability or mood

disorders that are beyond their control. I am most interested in researching specifically the

stigma towards bipolar disorder because I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder II last year and

would like to learn more about it. I learned through experiences at school and at home that

discrimination against those with mental illness is real and an issue that needs to be talked about.

Through my research, I hope to bring awareness to this problem and find answers that can not

only help me but others suffering from the disorder as well.

Due to my interest in the topic, I chose to focus on this question, “Why is there a stigma

associated with bipolar disorder in western society?”. I wanted to research the reasons for these

stigmas specifically in western society because I want to know why this is happening where I

live. After looking more into this topic, I think I will find that media plays a large part in the

formation of negative stereotypes as well as society’s natural fear of the unknown. The media

sometimes misrepresents those with bipolar disorder leading people to believe that we are

dangerous or unpredictable. People are afraid of things they do not understand and without

proper explanation this lack of knowledge leads to the creation of a stigma. I would also like to

research what can be done to prevent the stigma. I think the main suggestion I will find is to

educate the public on the disorder and reassure people that they do not have to be afraid of those

with it.

The sources I will use include The National Alliance on Mental Illness, The International

Bipolar Foundation, The National Institute of Mental Health, and The American Psychiatric

Association. The websites I chose to use for my research are reputable organizations that can

provide me with reliable information regarding the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder and the
sociological factors that cause it. The organizations explain that the word “bipolar” is often

misused in media and in everyday life, therefore creating a negative connotation with it which

leads to people seeing it as an insult that means crazy or irrational. When looking at my sources

the most common response to this is that most negative assumptions are formed because of a

lack of understanding and the only plausible solution is to provide information about the illness

through educating and spreading awareness.

I hope to find more information on how western society views people with bipolar

disorder and how media plays a part in swaying people to think about certain groups differently

than others. Realistically, the only way I can help to prevent the stigma associated with my

disorder is through educating people I know and hoping they share what I tell them with their

peers and family members. I want to teach people about what those who have bipolar disorder go

through and help them see that we are still people and are still capable of being functioning

members of society. Awareness in general is vital when dealing with a topic that is so oftenly

misunderstood, treating mental illnesses the same as physical illnesses is something we as a

society have to focus on making a reality.

Bibliography
Bipolar Disorder. (n.d.). Retrieved March 08, 2018, from

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml

Howard, G. (n.d.). Facing the Stigma and Stereotypes of Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved March 08,

2018, from https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/features/blog-bipolar-face-stigma#1

NAMI. (n.d.). Retrieved March 08, 2018, from https://www.nami.org/Personal-Stories/Bipolar-

Disorder-and-Stigma

(n.d.). Retrieved March 08, 2018, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-

disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders

Stigma. (n.d.). Retrieved March 08, 2018, from http://ibpf.org/blog/stigma-1