Dawn Howard, 45, battled internal stigma after being diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. For years, she avoided treatment, but her life transformed when she embraced medication and therapy.
Howard’s story reflects a broader struggle faced by people with bipolar disorder, one of the most stigmatized mental health conditions globally, according to Cambridge University Press. While the condition affects approximately 40 million people worldwide, many go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, delaying critical treatment.
Bipolar disorder is divided into two main types: Bipolar I, characterized by severe manic episodes, and Bipolar II, which includes less intense hypomanic episodes paired with major depression. Despite common misconceptions, mood swings alone are not indicative of bipolar disorder, say experts like psychologists Amanda Akers and Ghazel Tellawi.
Manic episodes can lead to risky behaviors, hospitalization, or even legal issues, while depressive episodes are often marked by extreme lows, including suicidal thoughts. Research shows up to 60% of people with bipolar disorder attempt suicide.
Howard’s journey highlights the importance of access to mental health care and the ongoing fight against internal and external stigma. Today, she manages her condition with mood stabilizers and shares her story to inspire others. “It took me years to find the right treatment mix, but it’s worth it,” she says.
Therapists emphasize that bipolar disorder, while not curable, is manageable with the right care. Howard encourages those struggling to persevere, adding, “Keep trying—it gets better.”
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