According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 1 in 4 U.S. adults experiences a diagnosable mental disorder each year. Yet, psychological problems still carry a stigma in society. MayoClinic.com states that societal stigmas against mental illness can cause devastating results for individuals with mental disorders and their families, including harassment, discrimination at work or school and rejection by others. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and bipolar disorder are two mental illnesses that can trigger negative biases in those who do not understand these conditions.
Information and Treatment
Step 1
Seek comprehensive treatment for bipolar disorder or ADHD if you or your child has been diagnosed with one of these mental illnesses. MayoClinic.com advises that treatment can lessen distressing symptoms, making it easier to enjoy life. If you let others' biases about these conditions discourage you from seeking help, you needlessly compromise your own and your family's health and well-being.
Step 2
Educate others about bipolar disorder or ADHD if you or someone you love suffers from one of these conditions. Negative biases against people with mental illnesses often stem from ignorance or misinformation about psychiatric disorders. Let others know that people with these conditions can generally lead normal, productive lives through adequate treatment and symptom management.
Step 3
Inform yourself about bipolar disorder or ADHD if your life is affected by them. Make sure you understand your or your child's symptoms, common treatments, risks and prognosis.The more you know about the illness, the better able you will be to make treatment decisions, comply with treatment and manage side effects or symptom flare-ups.
Compassion and Support
Step 1
Find a support group for sufferers of bipolar disorder or ADHD and their family members. Mental illness can be very isolating, which can worsen mood and exacerbate symptoms. Having a safe outlet for expressing your feelings about dealing with mental illness can make you feel better about yourself and more able to challenge society's bias against mental disorders.
Step 2
Tell your story. Consider ways to speak publicly about your or your family's experience with bipolar disorder or ADHD. Parenting classes, support groups, community education programs and churches can all provide opportunities to speak to your community about mental illness.
Step 3
Correct misconceptions in others. If you observe someone expressing a misguided assumption or negative judgment about someone with bipolar disorder or ADHD, challenge them in a direct but polite tone. Bias is rooted in incorrect information or assumptions, and can be lessened through objective information.
Tips and Warnings
- Always seek professional help immediately if you or someone you love is experiencing troubling psychiatric symptoms or threatening self-harm.
