The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Psychoeducation on Internalized Stigma in Individuals With Bipolar Disorder

Since ancient times, societies have exhibited negative, discriminatory, labeling, and stigmatizing attitudes toward mental disorders and individuals with psychiatric conditions. This situation has negatively affected individuals with mental disorders in many aspects. Over time, individuals with mental illness adopt the stigma they experience and subsequently begin to suffer from internalized stigma. Internalized stigma, or "self-stigmatization," is the adoption of society's negative perceptions-such as being dangerous or inadequate-by the individual with the mental illness themselves. The individual gradually internalizes the prejudices, discrimination, and exclusion present in society. For instance, the societal prejudice that "one cannot be friends with individuals with bipolar disorder" manifests in the patient as "this is true, I cannot be friends with anyone." Consequently, individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience internalized stigma.Psychiatric patients must contend not only with the challenges brought by their illness but also with internalized stigma. Internalized stigma in individuals with mental disorders has detrimental effects on recovery. While experiencing feelings of guilt and shame, psychiatric patients suffering from internalized stigma particularly tend to hide their illness, avoid seeking help for treatment, and face adverse processes regarding treatment compliance. Furthermore, due to the impact of stigmatization, they withdraw from society, experiencing a reduction in social interaction and loneliness. It is well-documented that individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience non-compliance with treatment due to the recurrent and chronic nature of the illness. This situation increases the risk of internalized stigma in patients. Studies demonstrate that patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience internalized stigma. Moreover, it stands out as one of the psychiatric illness groups that experiences the highest levels