Bipolar disorder/manic depression

All mental health issues occur to different degrees with all of us. For example, everyone can get anxious at times, or feel low. We all have the capacity to become elated about something or to despair
in a certain situation. Therefore mental health issues are simply an exaggeration of what we can all feel.

This attitude can help to remove some of the stigma that is still attached to mental health. An acceptance of people for who they are, rather than what is wrong with them is an excellent starting point for dealing with and managing mental health issues.

Medication can be necessary, but the person with bipolar disorder can also take responsibility for their illness and be proactive in seeking help. It is necessary to be aware of the impact of lifestyle issues, including diet, sleep and exercise. By taking back some control, the person can learn to help themselves, and subsequently feel some hope about their situation.

It is time to stop being ashamed about mental health! It is a significant part of who we are and there is much we can do as individuals to promote our own mental health, even and perhaps particularly when we are given a diagnosis.