More on the topic of shame and Bipolar.

I recently received an email from an organization that supports people with bipolar disorder, encouraging them to avoid drastic actions. The email came from someone who shared her first-person account of managing bipolar disorder in the workplace. It was addressed to everyone who participated in their survey, contributing to an important piece of research.

Key findings from the survey include:

• 24% of respondents hadn’t disclosed their bipolar diagnosis at work.

• 30% of those who did disclose their diagnosis at work later regretted it.

• 44% of respondents reported that a lack of understanding was a barrier to thriving in the workplace.

• 
  

Even when I apply for jobs, I wouldn’t dare to share this information during an interview, and I'm usually an open book.

Basically, if you have a mental vulnerability (which I see as a gift), you will likely face shame and bullying from family members and colleagues.

A Fun Fact About Me

I am deeply committed to growth and healing, so I seize every opportunity to learn about my mind and seek help. One day, I was fortunate to meet another woman with bipolar disorder who invited me to a peer support group. We meet every month to discuss topics like shame, which has been incredibly beneficial for our well-being.

I don't need statistics to know that shame is a significant issue for those with neurodivergent brains. My peers and I can confirm this through our experiences.

Ironically, many people expect those with bipolar disorder to be aggressive, but in reality, we are some of the most sensitive, gentle, and caring individuals I have met.

If you have bipolar disorder, reach out to me, and I will share the types of support available, especially if you live in the Netherlands. One notable thing about the Netherlands is that they take bipolar disorder seriously. It’s comforting to know that if you become suicidal, which is common with bipolar disorder, you can get help.