title: 'It's something that I manage but it is not who I am': reflections on internalized stigma in individuals with bipolar disorder.
abstract: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex chronic condition associated with substantial costs, both at a personal and societal level. Growing research indicates that experiences with stigma may play a significant role in contributing to the distress, disability, and poor quality of life (QoL) often experienced in people with BD. Here, we present a sub-set of findings from a qualitative study of self-management strategies utilized by high functioning Canadian individuals with BD. Specifically, we describe a theme relating to participants' experiences and understandings of internalized stigma. Descriptive qualitative methods were used including purposeful sampling and thematic analysis. High functioning individuals with BD type I or II (N = 32) completed quantitative scales to assess symptoms, functioning and QoL, and participated in an individual interview or focus group to discuss the self-management strategies that they use to maintain or regain wellness. Thematic analysis identified several themes, including one relating to internalized stigma. Within this, four additional themes were identified: stigma expectations and experiences, sense of self/identity, judicious disclosure, and moving beyond internalised stigma. One of the more unique aspects of the study is that it involves a participant sample that is managing well with their illness, which differs from the norm in biomedical research that typically focuses on pathology, problems and dysfunction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. erin.michalak@ubc.ca
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Michalak
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Livingston
authors.forename: Rachelle
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hole
authors.forename: Melinda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suto
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hale
authors.forename: Candace
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Haddock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D001955:British Columbia; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011287:Prejudice; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D014342:Truth Disclosure; D055815:Young Adult