STIGMA Through the Eyes of a Bipolar Artist

Stigma kills the soul. Society buries it. Do you face rejection, prejudice, and alienation from friends, family, and coworkers because of your bipolar disorder? Do you feel self-conscious or shame, causing you to mask and hide your bipolar diagnosis from others to maintain a sense of dignity, self-esteem, and self-worth ? Do you feel alone and helpless in your ability to cope with and rise above these socially-imposed and self-imposed challenges? Through the weaving of the...
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Stigma kills the soul. Society buries it. Do you face rejection, prejudice, and alienation from friends, family, and coworkers because of your bipolar disorder? Do you feel self-conscious or shame, causing you to mask and hide your bipolar diagnosis from others to maintain a sense of dignity, self-esteem, and self-worth ? Do you feel alone and helpless in your ability to cope with and rise above these socially-imposed and self-imposed challenges? Through the weaving of the author's compelling bipolar-inspired artwork and moving, personal narrative, "STIGMA Through the Eyes of a Bipolar Artist" delves deep into the hidden recesses of bipolar disorder and its destructive counterpart, social stigma and self-stigma. "STIGMA Through the Eyes of a Bipolar Artist" takes the reader on an in-depth journey through society's destructive bipolar stigma and the negative stereotypes associated with it. It provides insight not only into the origin and problems associated with bipolar stigma but ways in which to counter and eliminate their ill-effects, which the author refers to as the Bipolar Impaired Self, where the very self of the person with bipolar disorder becomes impaired, negatively affecting one's quality of life. It is a concept inspired and conceived by his extensive collection of award-winning artwork. This book is unique. It is a compelling memoir.  A practical self-help guide with relevant questions for thoughtful, personal exploration. For clinicians, it is an adjunct to traditional psychotherapy. And finally, it is a fine art book by an award-winning artist and bipolar advocate with a doctoral degree in Disability Studies and Social Work, an expert Quora author on the subject of Bipolar Disorder, who has lived with a bipolar diagnosis for 25 years. What's Inside: A major hurdle to coping with mental illness, revealed and explained. A level of emotional pain and challenges that go beyond our diagnosis. Importance of developing empathy, understanding and compassion. A way through and out of societal and self-condemnation. Coming out with your psychiatric diagnosis: a turning point. Emotional healing through creating art and viewing bipolar-inspired artwork. What it's like being bipolar. And more...