Breaking the Stigma: A Personal Perspective on Bipolar Disorder

This heartfelt piece was kindly written by a member of our IMHub Collective in support of World Bipolar Day on 30th March 2025. The day is all about raising awareness and challenging the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder.

The writer wishes to remain anonymous as they navigate the job market—choosing not to publicly disclose their diagnosis due to the lingering stigma surrounding bipolar disorder.

A stark reminder that, as a society, we are still nowhere near where we need to be in making neuroinclusion the norm.

To our incredible author—thank you for your honesty, courage, and for sharing your story with us. Your voice matters, and together, we will continue to challenge misconceptions and push for a world where no one feels the need to hide who they are.

“Bipolar... that means crazy, unstable, right?” 

That’s the assumption, isn’t it?

We’re conditioned by films, TV, and media to think of bipolar disorder in extremes—wild mood swings, erratic behaviour, chaos. But life doesn’t work like a Hollywood script, and neither does bipolar disorder. Like all neurological conditions, it exists within the real world, affecting real people in ways that go far beyond stereotypes.

The Reality: Facts About Bipolar Disorder

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Around 1 in 150 adults live with bipolar disorder—that’s about 45 million people worldwide (0.53% of the global population).

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It affects men and women equally.

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The exact cause is unknown, but genetic, psychological, and social factors all play a role.

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On average, it takes 10 years for someone to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan.

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There are effective treatments, both medical and holistic, that help people live stable, fulfilling lives.

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Without support, the risk of suicide for individuals with bipolar disorder is estimated to be 15 times higher than the general population.

These are the facts. The reality is that bipolar disorder doesn’t define a person—but stigma, misunderstanding, and lack of support can make life far harder than it needs to be.

My Bi-Polar Story!

So, what does being diagnosed with bipolar disorder actually mean for someone?

Truth is, it’s different for everyone!

For me, in a nutshell: Even when I’m in a great place—steady and stable—I’m clinically bipolar.

That part of me always exists; a darkness that’s always there, sitting on my shoulder like a mischievous little elf! Reminding me that if I don’t take care of myself, if I don’t make self-care a priority, it will come out to play. 

My flavour of Bi-Polar looks a lot like depression.

It means shutting out the world, drowning in my thoughts, losing motivation, struggling to engage with life and carry out the most basic self-care, and hating how this condition impacts me.

I often feel worthless, as if I have no value to those around me. 

When the depression lifts, I’m filled with guilt—guilt about my family, about the messages I couldn’t respond to, the calls I missed, and the emails I still need to answer. I berate myself for feeling so badly about myself.

I understand that no one is perfect; I understand that I am human, and that I am of value to myself and to those around me. But it’s still hard to find my footing again, to reconnect with my family and friends, and to regain my credibility.

I promise myself it won’t happen again—but in reality, that promise is out of my control, and I must accept that.

What I can do is put mechanisms in place to help me navigate the lows and minimise their impact so I don’t sink too deeply. 

Because I’ve been there. More times than I’d like to admit!

The Impact on My Life & Work

My family and friends are on this journey of understanding with me.

Some I’ve lost along the way; others I’m still proving myself to.

They don’t always understand that I don’t choose this—that no one does!

With each episode, though, I learn more about myself and become a bit stronger in navigating and managing my emotions.

Each episode teaches me something new, making me a little stronger in navigating and managing my emotions. I’ve also come to accept that not everyone will understand—and that’s okay.

Because honestly? They don’t have to.

But they do need to understand themselves and how they respond to others.

And then there’s work…

I’m an achiever. I thrive on success. I’ve built a career I’m proud of.

When I’m in the zone—creative, focused, energised—I’ve been told my enthusiasm is infectious.

But I also experience post-project crashes, where stress and exhaustion creep in. I’ve taken time off, felt burnout approaching, and seen how misunderstanding in the workplace can make things even harder.

So, I’ve started taking a different approach.

I’ve built a portfolio career, setting my own hours, working outside the traditional 9-to-5. It works for me, with me and with my brain!

But what about job applications?

I’d love to say my diagnosis doesn’t affect them. But it does.

I have to be strategic about what I apply for and what expectations a company might have. I have to be careful about how much I disclose—because even now, too many employers still see bipolar disorder as a risk rather than a reality.

But that can change.

Neuroinclusion: The Change We Need

The more employers invest in neuroinclusion training, keep the conversation going, and build workplaces where difference is valued—like what Inclusive Minds UK and the IMHub Community are doing—the closer we get to real change.

I jumped at the chance to be part of the IMHub Collective—not just because it’s an amazing platform, but because they’ve always created a safe space where I can share MY story on MY terms.

If more organisations joined the IMHub Community and followed their lead, they wouldn’t miss out on talented, hardworking individuals like me—people with experience, skills, and drive, who are too often overlooked because of one part of who they are. And I know I’m not alone in this.

When companies embrace neuroinclusion, everyone wins.

People feel valued. ✔ 
Businesses build better, more inclusive reputations. ✔ 
Companies thrive and innovate in ways they never imagined. ✔ 

With the right support, people like me can and do live full, successful, productive lives.

Final Thought 

Like Pink says in her song 'Turbulence': 

“... if you’re alive 

Then it means you are committed to survive.” 

Thanks For Reading

D x