Introducing The First MHL Team: The Bipolar Bears
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I mentioned in my last blog post that community has played a huge role in my pursuit of happiness after being diagnosed with bipolar type II. These family and friends were my motivation and support system, the fans that kept me going day in and day out.
What was notably underrepresented in that community was other players with the same diagnosis. Up until announcing the MHL, I had only met two others with bipolar, a bit odd considering 2.6% of the US population shares this diagnosis. Each one of those people had a big impact on my life. Even before we divulged our “secret” we became fast friends. There was some sort of unspoken chemistry that connected us, a bond that only grew upon sharing our stories, tips for success, and general anecdotes about playing the sport of life with bipolar.
Since I announced the MHL, these connections have only multiplied, and it feels amazing. If this is the result of sharing my story, then why are we all so afraid to do so?
To find an answer, I’ve spent the past few months talking to people affected by mental illness about why they didn’t share their stories, and the word that kept popping up was “shame”. They were ashamed of their disorder, ashamed to see a therapist or to go on medication. They felt that it was a weakness or that people just wouldn’t understand, symptoms of pervasive stigma.
I think it’s time we changed that.
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I want to turn stigma into strength. I want the world to celebrate those overcoming mental illness like they do physical illness. The solution?
Mental Health League Teams
Like any other sports league, the MHL is going to have teams — confident stigma-killing symbols of strength that both fans and players can rally around. To start, we’ve created teams that represent different mental disorders so we can build community around not just mental health, but the specific challenges and celebrations we experience each and everyday.
With no further adieu, I’d like to announce the first MHL team…
The Bipolar Bears
This team is here for anyone that resonates with the diagnosis, associated symptoms, or context of living with bipolar disorder. Maybe you’re like me, and it’s a part of your identity. Or maybe a friend or loved one is bipolar, and you want to join the team to show your support. Or maybe you just want to support mental health, and like polar bears. Here is a space for you and your story. Your struggles, heartaches, and successes. I hope this is a team you feel makes you feel seen and respected.
We’ll be releasing team hats as a part of our Kickstarter, and we hope to have your support (subscribe for updates here). We dream of walking down the streets and seeing this symbol being worn unashamed.
“But Mike, isn’t it a bit dangerous to glorify a disorder like that?”
First off, better glorified than stigmatized. Second off, we’re not trying to glorify it, we’re trying to respect it. We want these symbols to increase the visibility of mental health in the physical world — showing others that they aren’t alone and that they’re understood and loved. We’re showing our support for those living with disorders like they people do with pink ribbons and other symbols of strength.
The Bipolar Bears hats will be one of the rewards when we launch our Kickstarter in September, along with three other inaugural teams we’re really excited to share with you soon. If you have any feedback, or a team idea you want to share, email us.
And if you’re not already, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to get updates in your inbox. We need to raise $10,000 to get the MHL off the ground and hope to have your support.
The views expressed in this article are the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Mental Health League. This content is for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that this article features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. If you need help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1–800–273–8255 (TALK) or go to speakingofsuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources. Please follow our Community Guidelines when commenting below.
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