Fighting Bipolar Stigma in Mexico

World Bipolar Day, observed annually on March 30th, serves to challenge the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder. In Mexico, where the impact of this condition is substantial and access to mental healthcare is limited, collective action is imperative. Furthermore, given its economic repercussions for the country, addressing the stigma attached to bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions is critical. 

Bipolar disorder, previously known as manic-depressive illness, affects approximately 1% to 2% of the global population, with some studies suggesting a prevalence rate as high as 5%. This disorder is characterized by severe mood episodes, ranging from manic episodes filled with extreme energy to depressive episodes marked by feelings of sadness and hopelessness. There are two primary types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 involves manic episodes that often require immediate attention due to their intensity, while Bipolar 2 is characterized by depressive episodes accompanied by hypomanic episodes of lesser severity. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

According to The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, collectively account for 8% of the disease burden among 20 year old individuals in Mexico. This figure underscores the significant disease burden of bipolar disorder within this age group. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder usually requires a thorough assessment by a mental health specialist, encompassing a review of symptoms and medical history. Nevertheless, bipolar disorder frequently remains undetected for extended periods, posing significant challenges to individuals’ daily functioning.

In Mexico, a distressingly large proportion of individuals with mental health conditions do not have access to essential treatment, primarily due to limited availability of mental health care services. The perceived equality in mental health treatment in Mexico falls below the international standard of 34%. According to the study "Community Mental Health Care in Mexico," a significant portion of individuals grappling with mental disorders, spanning from mild (87.4%), moderate (77.9%), and severe cases (76.2%) face a treatment gap, indicating the pervasive lack of essential mental health services across various mental health conditions.

According to the study, labeled Mental Health Service Users’ Perceptions  individuals with mental disorders in Mexico often lack support from their families, friends, and colleagues. Many survey participants expressed feeling misunderstood and dismissed, as others tended to minimize their symptoms or accuse them of fabricating their experiences. Negative labels such as "crazy" and "mentally ill" were commonly used to minimize their experiences, further contributing to the social stigma surrounding bipolar disorder, particularly among Latin Americans. This stigma is further exacerbated by societal misconceptions about bipolar disorder , often being diminished as "locura" or "craziness."

A report from JoGHNP highlights the economic impact of neglecting mental health disorders, revealing an estimated annual loss of US$206 million in Mexico due to such conditions. This underscores the urgent need to strengthen and expand the country's mental health infrastructure.