B I P O L A R I T Y
Breaking The Stigma and Raising Mental Health Awareness Through Art
ART PROJECT ON BIPOLAR DISORDER: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT LIVING WITH IT IS LIKE.
Creative Director, Photographer, author
Daria Shmalts
Co-creator, Model
Tonya Vinogradova
About the project
Many people with serious mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder, do not receive the acceptance and support they need from society. The stigma surrounding mental illness is still strong, and public awareness is dangerously low. I know this firsthand because my uncle, who had bipolar disorder, took his own life. I have this disorder myself,and for a long time, I was afraid that the same fate awaited me, because I felt desperate and completely alone. But I was scared to tell anyone, including my partner, my parents or doctors, about my struggles. However, I eventually confided in my loved ones and received the necessary medical help.
I used to struggle greatly with my own bipolar disorder and doubted my ability to ever achieve stability, let alone succeed in life. But as I've learned more about my condition, I've gained valuable knowledge and tools that have helped me in my daily life. I can now confidently say that it is possible not just to survive, but to thrive with a bipolar disorder diagnosis. With the support of professionals, family, and friends, it is possible to effectively manage the disorder and even achieve long-term remission. The advancements in our understanding of the mind and consciousness offer hope and practical solutions for those living with bipolar disorder.
The purpose of this project is to create a visual representation of bipolar disorder that is relatable and understandable for both those who have the disorder and those who are trying to understand it. While I hope that this project may also educate the public about this important issue, my primary focus as an artist is simply to bring attention to the reality of mental illness.
I hope you'll find it interesting and useful. And if you'd like, please share it with others to raise mental health awareness.
WHAT IS BIPOLAR DISORDER?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant changes in energy levels, perception, and mood. These changes can range from manic episodes to episodes of depression and can have a significant impact on a person's life. Without proper treatment, bipolar disorder can be debilitating and has a higher incidence of suicide compared to the general population. The overall prevalence of bipolar disorder is lower than that of major depression, occurring in about 1% of the population versus 10-17% for major depression. It tends to onset in young adulthood, typically between the ages of 20 and 25.
Hypomania
"I am a strong and unstoppable force, full of beauty, power, and confidence. I don't need to put effort into being this way. It's just who I am. This negative "emo crap" is not true and I have already moved on from it. I am confident in my own health and do not need medications, as they are just a way for doctors to try and control me. I am capable of overcoming anything on my own."
"It is time to celebrate life, to call all my friends, to go out and party hard! Oh! I've got this great idea. Wait! Actually, I have 3 great ideas! I know exactly how to bring them to life, and I have the energy to do it all. Now is the time to seize the moment! I am the main character in my own movie! I am the Queen of the World!
I believe in myself more than ever before. Finally, I know what I want to do with my life. I finally know who I am. This time it will be different, because now I'm healthy. Now I'm in control."
MANIA
"We only live once! Faster! Faster! Even faster! I want it all! I want it now! Nothing is enough! More! Stronger! Even better!"
"No time to sleep — too many ideas, and I need to do it all right now. The world is too exciting — I can hardly breathe! There are so many things to do!"
"NO LIMITS!
DO YOU HEAR ME,
WORLD???
NO LIMITS!!"
Bipolar type I
Bipolar 1 disorder is characterized by extended periods of mania, which is a state of elevated mood, energy, and impulsivity, as well as grandiosity, rapid speech, and difficulty sleeping. One of the main diagnostic criteria for bipolar 1 is that a person experiences these manic episodes for a minimum of seven days. However, it is not necessarily accompanied by a period of depression. Some people with bipolar 1 may return to a baseline state after a manic episode rather than entering a depressive state. This is a common misunderstanding about bipolar disorder.
Bipolar type II
Bipolar 2 disorder is marked by both manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes. Hypomania refers to a less severe or shorter duration of mania. One of the key diagnostic criteria for bipolar 2 is the presence of manic episodes that last for four days or less. These episodes may involve increased energy, goal-directed activity, irritability, euphoria, and lack of sleep, but are not as intense as full mania. People with bipolar 2 may also experience longer periods of hypomania, which may have less severe symptoms such as less pressured speech and less impulsivity. Bipolar 2 is often accompanied by drops into depression, but people with bipolar 1 can also experience a transition from manic episodes to severe major depression.
It's important to note that bipolar disorder can manifest differently in different people. While some individuals may experience extended periods of mania followed by extended periods of depression, others may have rapid cycling that involves shorter periods of mania and depression. It's important to not assume that all individuals with bipolar disorder experience a regular pattern of cycling between mania and depression, as this can vary significantly.
moderate Depression
"My energy, drive, and desire for life, love, and enjoyment slowly fade away. It feels like my own mind is betraying me, as if someone is emptying my soul from my body. It's dark and empty inside. The light and happiness I once felt are slowly disappearing. I feel lost and wonder what I have done to deserve this. Who am I and what am I doing here?"
"Why am I so foolish? I knew this would happen again, it always does. When will I learn to control myself? I no longer trust myself. There's no reason for me to feel this way – my life is good. Why can't I just be normal? I feel worthless and useless. I feel like a burden to my loved ones. They deserve better. I wish I could fall asleep and not wake up. Everything feels too loud."
severe Depression
"I feel like it will never end. I'm getting bogged down deep in the sand. I try to get out, but I'm losing my connection with reality and other people. Was I ever happy? Is this my miserable destiny? I try so hard to get out, to have this one last breath. But I'm losing in this game. I'm exhausted. The despair fills every cell, every particle of my tired soul, of my entire existence. I'm stuck. I'm losing hope. I feel like I'm just about to give up."
"I'm silently suffering from intense and ongoing emotional pain. It feels like my soul is a bottomless black hole that nothing in the universe can fill. I feel helpless and overwhelmed by dark and persistent thoughts. I struggle against the temptation to seek a quick escape from my suffering. I constantly question my worth and the purpose of my existence. Do I deserve to live if my life feels meaningless?"
Breaking Free
"Despite feeling completely drained and worn out, I am determined to persevere through this challenge. Again.
My body, soul, and mind are exhausted, but I am still alive and slowly regaining my strength. I am grateful for the opportunity to see another sunrise, to breathe in the fresh air, and to experience another day."
"As my energy returns, so do my emotions and feelings. I am making a superhuman effort to survive this and I am slowly emerging from this difficult time with a lighter spirit."
BALANCED MOOD
"The difficulty of enduring this repeatedly is indescribable, but I am determined to keep fighting. Despite feeling lonely and overwhelmed at times, I am not alone in this struggle and I know that there is a purpose for everything. I am strong and I believe that this life is worth living, so I will continue to push through the challenges and find meaning in my struggles. I am here for a reason and will keep striving to discover what that reason may be."
Get a better insight
"Diagnosing whether someone has major depression, bipolar disorder type 1, or bipolar disorder type 2 can be difficult. According to research published in the Journal American Medical Association of Psychiatry, individuals with bipolar disorder type 1 typically spend about 50% of their time symptom-free, 32% of their time in a depressed state, and 15% of their time in a manic or mixed manic state. On the other hand, those with bipolar disorder type 2 tend to spend about half of their time in a depressed state, 45% of their time symptom-free, and only 4-5% of their time in a hypomanic state. This can lead to misunderstandings and misdiagnoses, as the symptoms of bipolar disorder type 2 may be mistaken for those of major depression."
When to see a doctor
People with bipolar disorder often experience mood extremes, but may not realize the extent to which their emotional instability affects their own lives and the lives of those around them, leading to a lack of treatment. While some may enjoy the highs of mania and increased productivity, these periods are often followed by crashes that can result in depression, exhaustion, and possibly negative consequences in areas such as finances, legal issues, and relationships. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression or mania, it is important to seek help from a medical or mental health professional. Bipolar disorder requires treatment and cannot improve without it. Seeking the help of a mental health professional with experience in treating bipolar disorder can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
When to get emergency help
Suicidal thoughts and actions are common among individuals with bipolar disorder. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, it is essential to get help immediately by calling your local emergency number, going to the emergency room, or telling a trusted friend or family member. You can also call a suicide hotline for support. If you have a loved one who is at risk of suicide or has attempted suicide, make sure they are not left alone and seek help by calling emergency services or taking them to the nearest hospital emergency room if it is safe to do so. It is important to take any thoughts or actions of suicide seriously and get help as soon as possible.
...
It can be intimidating to speak openly about your mental health struggles, as it can feel vulnerable and uncertain how others will react. However, it's important to reach out for help and support, even if you're afraid. Don't let fears hold you back from speaking to someone you trust. If they don't take your concerns seriously, try educating yourself and then educating them about mental health. It's common for people to look for clear explanations and visible evidence of mental health issues, but these conditions are often complex and rooted in the subconscious. Most of the people are struggling silently, hiding their pain. It can be difficult to understand, but it is also very difficult to explain. But having honest and open conversations about mental health can help. Don't just wait for the world to magically understand and accept you – seek out information and help, and learn more about your own mind. Remember, you have a purpose in this world and the answers you seek may not always be within your own head. Consider shifting your perspective and listening to the deeper meanings behind words and experiences. Your soul is constantly growing and evolving, and while mental health challenges may be difficult, they can also be an opportunity to discover your true self.
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Credits to the team
CREATIVE DIRECTOR/PHOTOGRAPHER/AUTHOR _ DARIA SHMALTS @INTROVERTPUNK
CO-CREATOR/MODEL _ TONYA VINOGRADOVA @TONYAVINOGRADOVA
MAKE-UP AND HAIR ARTIST _ INNA COSMAN @COSMAN.MAKEUP
ASSISTANT/BACKSTAGE PHOTOGRAPHER _ VARI @VARJALISTOPAD
Outfits:
Long red dress - designed and upcycled by Daria Shmalts
Black with gold dress @kuzmarkt
Red sparkly dress @crashily
special thanks
We would like to express our gratitude to the Cimex Group and the management of Gabriel Loci, Magdalena Dvorská and Magdalena Nováková, for allowing us to shoot on their premises.
LOCATION of the photoshoot
Creating the project
In the summer of 2022 I've been working on creating a new portfolio and had an idea for a photo shoot involving a red dress. I shared this idea with my friend Tonya, a talented artist, who also has bipolar disorder. She suggested incorporating an image of Phoenix into the concept. She explained that after recently overcoming a difficult depressive episode, she felt like she was "rising from the ashes." This resonated with me, as we both have firsthand experience with bipolar disorder and can openly and honestly discuss it with each other without fear of judgment. The process of bringing this project to fruition was not easy. It took two months to find the right location, and there were many rejections along the way. When we finally secured a stunning historic location, I took on the challenge of creating the Phoenix red dress myself despite having no fashion design or sewing experience. This took over a month to complete. There were also challenges in finding other garments and assembling a qualified team. Despite the difficulties, I am proud to say that with the support of my dedicated team and determination to bring this project to life, we were able to overcome all obstacles and make it a reality.
To see more behind the scenes content, please follow @introvertpunk on Instagram
Sources
The information on scientific data and research in this project was sourced from the podcast "The Science & Treatment of Bipolar Disorder," presented by Andrew D. Huberman.
Dr.Huberman is an American neuroscientist and tenured associate professor in the department of neurobiology and psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.
--> Link to the podcast. "The Science & Treatment of Bipolar Disorder" podcast is a must-see for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the topic and learn about current treatment options.
Useful links
Youtube:
Huberman Lab The podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health.
Dr.Caroline Leaf is a cognitive neuroscientist with a PhD in Communication Pathology and a BSc Logopaedics specializing in cognitive and metacognitive neuropsychology
Web:
bpHope.com Online magazine about bipolar disorder
На русском языке:
Лучший источник для понимания и осознания себя www.yburlan.ru
Статья Екатерины Крестниковой,врача психиатра-нарколога: "Биполярное аффективное расстройство и расстройства настроения"
Accurate TV portrayals of bipolar disorder:
Amazon Prime Series: Modern Love “Take Me As I Am, Whoever I Am” Article
Rue in Euphoria season 1 episode 7 Article
Social media:
Instagram: @intlbipolar @polarwarriors @realitybipolardisorder @fightthroughmentalhealth @howmental @trevorproject @global_mental_health_suport @selfcareisanecessity_
Facebook: Bipolar disorder Support groups
Share our project to spread mental health awareness
For any inquiries, please contact info@introvertpunk.com
