endorse negative statements or discriminate
against patients is related to the severity of the
mental illness (Link et al. 2001). Patients with
bipolar disorder often internalize the negative
stigmas attached to their disorder, which can
affect all aspects of their lives. Mental health
patients show a higher rate of unemployment,
lower wages earned and more feelings of
demoralization (Kroska & Harkness 2006).
Several studies have been conducted
to research the resistance of stigmas and how
patients cope with being labeled. Many
patients often do not share their mental
history with others, avoid social situations or
try to educate people in the community on
mental health as methods of dealing with their
own situation (Kroska & Harkness 2006). It
was found that people diagnosed with bipolar
disorder that were concerned with the stigma
surrounding their illness tend to have more
social withdrawal and secrecy in their lives
(Link et al. 2001). Both social withdrawal and
keeping their mental health a secret have been
found to have even more negative affects on
the patient. Patients tend to limit their social
interactions, which can create a barrier in their
recovery and treatment plan (Link et al. 2001).
Those that were willing to educate others on
their mental illness were slightly better off
regarding their level of social functioning
(Link et al. 2001). One author looks at the
different ways in which patients resist stigmas.
Thoits examines more closely the terms used
to describe resistance; challenging and
deflecting (2011). Prior to Thoits, there was
little distinction between the different coping
mechanisms and most were broadly
blanketing terms used interchangeably to
describe a