The relationship between self-stigma, depression, anxiety and self-compassion in bipolar disorder

Objective: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mental health condition that may be associated with high levels of self-stigma. Although self-compassion has previously been found to be associated with greater levels of depression and anxiety in BD, no studies have investigated the relationship between self-stigma, psychological symptoms and self-compassion in this population. The present study aimed to explore whether a relationship between self-stigma, self-compassion and depression and anxiety symptoms for people living with BD. Method: An international survey of 135 participants aged 19-75 years of participants living with BD was undertaken that assessed self-stigma, current anxiety and depressive symptoms, and levels of self-compassion. Results: Correlation results found that that higher levels of self-stigma were associated with higher levels of depression and anxiety, and lower levels of self-compassion. Stepwise regression further showed that depressive symptoms were the greatest contributor to lower levels of self-compassion. Conclusion: Depression plays an important role in understanding self-compassion and self-stigma for those living with bipolar disorder. Further research should assess the impact that self-stigma and self-compassion may have on other areas such as functioning and quality of life, and how psychological interventions may support these areas for those living with bipolar disorder.