I’m Madeleine Russell. I have a masters in addictive behaviours and intergenerational family lived experience of bipolar and schizophrenia. I want to advance evidence-informed and nuanced thinking around complex mental health conditions to produce better social outcomes. My work is centred on dismantling stigma, elevating recovery principles and foregrounding interdisciplinary knowledge.
There are so many things I could tell you about bipolar.
I could start with the basics and tell you how stress from life events can interact with predisposed biological, biochemical and neurological instabilities to give rise to the disorder in vulnerable individuals.
I could wax lyrically about the ways in which episodes are experienced and responded to by others; how positive reinforcement can position (hypo)mania as an idealised version of oneself – as sociable, intelligent and productive – interfering with insight and management of symptoms.
I could pique your interest by emphasising that a hallmark feature of (hypo)mania – described as euphoric and exuberant – is the inability to gain awareness of the internal condition of the body and evaluate current desires and interests (which the experts refer to as a “psychosis of interoception”).
I could detail how our capacity to view behaviour as ‘illness’ is hindered by gaps in understanding and lengthy delays in diagnosis. That because of this, reframing a sense of self and autonomy (compromised by symptoms) can be a major and important hurdle for people with a new diagnosis.
But today, what I really want to do, is to write about the moral courage and untapped capacity that it takes to navigate a bipolar diagnosis. About the stoicism and perseverance that happens behind closed doors, rendered ineligible for community recognition by stigma and severe knowledge gaps.
About the opening of new doors of opportunity, such as positively changing career paths and social networks, alongside immense distress and isolation. About the confusion, contradiction, self-doubt, and the several years of hardship and adjustment that can pass before getting back on track.
About the lessons that bipolar holds, such as the transience of emotions, the importance of memory, and the invaluable role of peer support. About the caregivers that go unseen, and the teamwork and skill required in identifying episodes, triggers and warning signs.
About the uphill battles and challenges involved in preserving individual rights to privacy and autonomy, based on non-discrimination. And finally, about the need for revision of a normative view that considers bipolar as individually determined, overly simplistic and categorically damaging.
This World Bipolar Day, it’s not just about asking “are you okay?”, it’s about connecting people with the right services and supports, having the right understanding within the community, ensuring careful screening of clinical features, and providing holistic care that fosters hope and solidarity.
This World Bipolar Day, it’s not just about asking “are you okay?”
While bipolar research holds truths that bring clarity to the chaos, findings need effective translation and extensive tailoring to be relevant, timely and accessible to the public. There is still far more to be learned about the disorder through close collaboration, honest dialogue and collective commitment.
Sometimes, all we need to do is listen.
If you want to support research into conditions like bipolar disorder, please consider becoming a supporter of MQ's work.
