I’m Bipolar, But I’m Not...

By: Shreeya Tuladhar

BuzzFeed, a social news and entertainment company, has various YouTube channels providing different content such as informing the viewers about current events, creating funny media, expressing culture with creative videos, and even promoting deep topics in a light manner. One of their YouTube channels, BuzzFeedYellow, has a series in which people stand up against the stigma of various topics and issues - including mental disorders. They do so by voicing out, “I’m ((catergory)), But I’m Not ((stigma)).” Though there is a fault in this video because people are addressing themselves as “I’m Bipolar,” instead of “I Have Bipolar Disorder,” it has done a fundamental job in standing up against the stigma of mental illnesses. These videos have turned into a powerful movement that has made our social media and tech savvy generation more aware of such weighty, yet sensitive topics. Please watch the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D-15Z9oE2g

This video shows people embracing their disorder while showing us that they’re not different form us at all. They’re family people, pet parents, working individuals, in relationships, and even vegan! They are diverse, just like you and me. Like us, they’re constantly being judged - but for a disorder? If one does not judge a person for having cancer or label them as “crazy,” then one should not for a person with a serious mental illness either. We’re often afraid to speak up because we’re constantly being judged, or even stand up for others because we feel that we’re standing alone - but here’s your calling to be brave and join the movement. What do you think of BuzzFeed’s efforts in shedding light unto Bipolar Disorder? Share your insight in the comment box, your stories or experiences here, and join our movement as we #StopTheStigma against mental disorders.