Reflective

Understanding Bipolar Disorder in China Through Visual and Cultural Perspectives

In exploring the intersection of bipolar disorder and cultural perspectives, I have come to realise how profoundly mental health is influenced by societal attitudes, beliefs, and values.

In my project, I am aim to improve understanding of bipolar disorder in China, Through research, interviews, and the design of visual interventions, I not only delved into the complexities of bipolar disorder but also gained insight into the deep-rooted cultural factors that influence its understanding, treatment, and the stigma surrounding it.

Initial Exploration: The Influence of Culture on Mental Health

Mental health remains largely stigmatized in Chinese society. Traditional values, such as the suppression of emotions and adherence to Confucian humanism, play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards mental illness. In a society that values harmony and stability, people with bipolar disorder often face not only the emotional turmoil of their illness but also the pressure of social expectations that do not accommodate emotional volatility. This phenomenon exacerbates the lack of empathy and understanding towards those affected, and patients are often perceived as morally weak or responsible for their condition.

In speaking with people with bipolar disorder in China, I heard stories of social isolation, fear of judgment, and reluctance to seek help. Many shared how their families and communities distanced themselves due to an inability to comprehend or accept their emotional fluctuations. These insights deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by those with bipolar disorder and highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness and more empathetic support systems.

The Role of Stigma and Misunderstanding

A key finding from my research was the influence of supernatural beliefs on the perception of mental illness in China. Historically, mental health conditions have been viewed as forms of “ghost possession” or divine punishment, further marginalising conditions like bipolar disorder. Additionally, the translation of the term “障碍” (obstacle or disorder) in reference to bipolar disorder intensifies its negative connotations. The term “disorder” is often associated with disability, which perpetuates a sense of shame and exclusion.

When interacting with both people with bipolar disorder and the general public, it was clear that education was essential to breaking down these misconceptions. Many respondents were either confused about or fearful of bipolar disorder, unsure how to recognise or respond to its symptoms. This lack of understanding only served to heighten the stigma, with people distancing themselves from those affected due to uncertainty and a fear of causing offence. Common assumptions were that people with bipolar disorder were “dangerous” or “weak-willed,” stemming directly from the societal stigma surrounding mental illness.

The Power of Visual Representation

I realised that addressing this lack of understanding could be achieved through education, and decided to experiment with visual interventions. Inspired by the metaphor of the “black dog” used in Living with a Black Dog: His Name is Depression, I saw an opportunity to use a similar visual metaphor to represent bipolar disorder. In the book, depression is portrayed as a black dog that follows the author through life. I decided to use red and blue to symbolise the two extremes of bipolar disorder—mania and depression—and create an interactive experience where viewers could engage with the changing colours to perceive the emotional fluctuations of the condition.

By creating red and blue text posters, I sought to allow the audience not only to “see” but also to “participate” in an educational experience that could be more emotionally resonant than words alone. Through displaying the posters to a group of Chinese individuals and gathering feedback, it became clear that most participants now understood the immense daily challenges faced by those with bipolar disorder. They recognised that activities that seemed simple to them could be fraught with psychological distress and emotional instability for someone living with the condition. This intervention successfully shifted their previous perceptions, reducing their discriminatory views of those with bipolar disorder.

Turning Point: Changing Perspectives

The feedback I received marked a pivotal moment in my project. It was evident that visual storytelling had the power to change attitudes and reduce stigma. By making the invisible suffering of bipolar disorder visible through colour and text, I was able to offer a more tangible representation of the emotional turmoil that patients experience. This intervention succeeded in challenging the earlier view that bipolar disorder was simply an issue of “emotional overreaction” or “lack of willpower.”

What struck me most was how many people viewed mental illness as something distant and unrelatable. By inviting them to engage with the experience, allowing them to “see” and “feel” the impact of bipolar disorder on daily life, I was able to bridge the gap between the patient’s inner experience and the external perception. I firmly believe that this is an important step towards fostering empathy and reducing stigma.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Empathy and Understanding

I have come to realise that reducing stigma and improving understanding of bipolar disorder in China is a multifaceted process. While the visual intervention I created succeeded in shifting public perceptions on a small scale, there is still much work to be done. Cultural barriers, which perpetuate misunderstanding and fear, cannot be dismantled overnight. However, by combining visual storytelling with educational resources that engage both those affected and the general public, I believe progress is possible.

This experience has deepened my understanding of empathy and the power of education as tools in dismantling stigma. As I continue this work—whether through further visual interventions, community engagement, or collaborations with mental health organisations—I remain committed to pushing this effort forward. The road to a more inclusive and supportive society for people with bipolar disorder may be long, but I am confident that every step towards raising awareness, cultivating empathy, and breaking down barriers will bring us closer to this goal.