Bipolar disorder affects approximately 5.7 million Americans, yet it remains poorly understood by society and the medical community. Treatment strategies continue to evolve, but finding effective solutions can feel imprecise and challenging. The stigma associated with the disease often exacerbates the struggles of those affected. Author Terri Cheney reflects on her childhood experiences—her lack of diagnosis and awareness—highlighting the ongoing challenges and the painful consequences of mental illness, including thoughts of self-harm. Greater advocacy and understanding are essential to combat the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder.
"Killing yourself at any age is a seriously tricky business. But when I was seven, the odds felt insurmountable."-Terri Cheney, The Dark Side of Innocence: Growing Up Bipolar
As a child, I knew nothing. I had no diagnosis. All I had was a vague and gnawing awareness that I was different from other children, and that different was not good.
The disease affects an estimated 5.7 million Americans, yet treatment today of bipolar disorder is not a precise science, and long-term treatment is essential.
Society and the medical community still do not fully understand the disease, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of champions for greater understanding of bipolar disorder.
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