This paper examines the lived experiences of individuals with mental disorders, focusing on the social and personal challenges they face within their communities. Drawing on BringChange2Mind.org and statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the paper discusses how conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD contribute to stigmatization, social isolation, poverty, and suicide risk. It pays particular attention to bipolar disorder, exploring its effects on mood, relationships, and workplace functioning. The paper also highlights the role of advocacy organizations in reducing discrimination and supporting recovery for those living with mental illness.
People who have mental disorders often face significant hardship within their communities, as they are not easily accepted. In most cases, they are considered violent because of their difficult social lives. After exploring BringChange2Mind.org, it becomes clear that mental disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and PTSD cause stress and depression, and can attract discrimination and unfair treatment from society. Sadly, these conditions are also associated with other social issues such as poverty, homelessness, and difficulty finding employment. Moreover, people with mental disorders often find it hard to communicate with others because they lack moral support. These circumstances can make life unbearable, predisposing affected individuals to drug abuse and other risky behaviors.
BringChange2Mind.org documents many cases of people with mental disorders attempting suicide because they are unhappy with their lives, confirming that their social functioning becomes seriously destabilized (Boyd, Adler, Otilingam, & Peters, 2014). Living with a mental disorder can be especially difficult because victims consistently face stigmatization. In some societies, they are considered cursed or afflicted by evil spirits. Such misconceptions hamper the efforts of organizations and medical practitioners working to help these individuals toward recovery.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (n.d.), approximately 43 million Americans currently suffer from mental illnesses. People who suffer from bipolar disorder, in particular, undergo episodes of both depression and euphoria. Their mood swings are rapid and extreme — they can feel happy one moment and become angry or furious very shortly after. People with bipolar disorder are advised not to use drugs or alcohol, as these substances further impair their thinking and emotional regulation. There are many reported cases of individuals who committed suicide while under the influence of drugs and who were also living with bipolar disorder. For example, Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain died by suicide after years of struggling with bipolar disorder.
"Communication struggles and workplace relationship problems"
"BringChange2Mind's mission to reduce discrimination"
Casaletto, K. B., Kwan, S., Montoya, J. L., Obermeit, L. C., Gouaux, B., Poquette, A., & HNRP Group. (2016). Predictors of psychotropic medication adherence among HIV+ individuals living with bipolar disorder. The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 51(1), 69–83.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Mental health by the numbers. Retrieved November 23, 2017, from https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-by-the-numbers
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