Week 2: Bipolar Disorder #MHM #MHAM

For each week of Mental Health/Mental Health Awareness Month (MHM/MHAM), the SITREP will post information and resources focused on a mental health issue. For Week Two, the focus is on Bipolar Disorder.

Read More About Bipolar Disorder

NOTE: The articles linked below are for informational purposes only & are not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health conditions; their inclusion does not constitute endorsement of any organization, facility, or services. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1. If you feel you may be experiencing a mental health emergency, please consult with a mental health professional. If you are in crisis, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255; Veterans, press 1 at the prompt to be connected to the Veterans Crisis Line. You are not alone, there is help.

🌈Transgender to Bipolar: My Spectrum of Stigma (Bring Change to Mind) – If being transgender was as accepted as simply having blue eyes or brown hair, would my journey have been different? Of course it would have. I don’t speak for anybody else’s experience. But I think so far, it has made me stronger, bolder, more resilient. The fight against stigma is real. This fight is also helping define who I am and who the groups of people around me with similar experiences are. United against stigma, we are stronger. It doesn’t mean I don’t want a world without stigma. I do. It just means that for now, it is part of my journey.

🌈The Double Bi Life: Intersections Between Being Bipolar & Bisexual (Crest.BD) – I’ve been out as a bisexual woman for 6 years and have been living with bipolar for the past 4 years. Through my phases of depression, hypomania, dating men, and dating women, there’s been some parallels.

🌈As a Gay Bipolar Man, I’ve Learned to Live With Suicidal Thoughts (Advocate) – Writer David Rabadi says “this too shall pass” is one of the most important lessons he ever learned.

🌈Gay and bipolar disorder: What to know (Medical News Today) – Gay people may be more likely to experience difficulties with their mental health. This is mainly the result of the stigma and discrimination they face. Being lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) may increase the chance of developing bipolar disorder.

Health Central Articles:

How to Help Someone With Bipolar Disorder (Men’s Health) – Being empathetic and encouraging is key when someone in your life is diagnosed with a mental illness.

The 8 Best Bipolar Support Groups of 2022 (Healthline) – Bipolar support groups offer emotional support from other people who understand what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder. They aren’t a substitute for professional care or therapy, but they’re a place to get support and ask questions. Some groups are run by mental health professionals, but others are led by volunteers who live with bipolar disorder as well.

6 Things to Know About Bipolar Disorder (AARP) – Millions of adults in the U.S. have this mental illness, but it’s often misunderstood.

Your FAQs Answered: Is Bipolar a Disability? (Healthline) – Read on to learn how the ADA and Social Security might benefit you.

6 Ways to Manage Productivity When You Have Bipolar Disorder (SELF) – At some point throughout the last year, most people have looked for productivity tips to help get through the day with all of THIS—gesticulates wildly—happening. Working and living like everything is normal right now is challenging, but feeling good about your productivity can be helpful for anyone—including people with bipolar disorder.