Working with Bipolar Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Both Crisis and Opportunity

Abstract

Beyond public health and economic costs, the COVID-19 pandemic adds strain, disrupts daily routines, and complicates mental health and medical service delivery for those with mental health and medical conditions. Bipolar disorder can increase vulnerability to infection; it can also enhance stress, complicate treatment, and heighten interpersonal stigma. Yet there are successes when people proactively improve social connections, prioritize self-care, and learn to effectively use mobile and telehealth.

Keywords

• bipolar disorder
• covid-19
• mental health
• social stigma
• telehealth
• mental illness
• social isolation