Introduction: It is Not Strength to Silence
Too long, discussions regarding mental health, particularly mood disorders, have been cloaked in silence, miscommunication, and shame. The stigma associated with mood disorders continues to have a strong hold on people, families, businesses, and communities despite increased understanding.
To be clear, having a mood problem is not an indication of weakness. They are not an attention-seeking activity, a character defect, or a personal failing. As medical problems, they should be treated with the same consideration, care, and support as physical ailments. And discussing it is the only way we can start to alter the narrative.
This blog explores the true nature of stigma, how it affects people with mood disorders, and why having frank conversations is one of the most effective ways we can combat it.
A Mood Disorder: What Is It? A Brief Synopsis
A collection of mental health illnesses known as mood disorders mostly impact an individual's emotional state. These consist of:
Major Depressive Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Dysthymia, or persistent depression
Disorder Cyclothymic
They can induce severe emotional highs and lows, chronic melancholy, irritation, exhaustion, hopelessness, and changes in energy, focus, and sleep. But a lot of people suffer in silence for a variety of reasons, including the fact that the symptoms may not necessarily "appear" dramatic.
How Does Stigma Actually Appear?
Not all stigma is overt or evident. It is frequently covert, internalized, or even disguised as worry. It may manifest itself as:
"You appear to be in good spirits."
"Remain calm; it is all in your thoughts."
"You are being very theatrical."