What is it about?

This paper presents a narrative analysis of bipolar disorder memes, as a case study of how memes communicate. The character mapping strategy of dynamic narrative inquiry shows how people use humor and social engagement to combat stigma, call for community, and call for the humanization of the bipolar disorder experience. In doing so, this analysis offers a way to analyze other memes for their psychological impact.

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Why is it important?

Bipolar disorder is a challenging mental health condition. Character mapping in bipolar disorder memes reveal how memes act in social media contexts to impact the experience of the condition.

Perspectives

Writing this brief report was an exciting experience! What started as a class presentation turned into a larger, more meaningful endeavour.

Aayushi Deshpande
City University of New York Graduate School and University Center

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This page is a summary of: A narrative inquiry into characters in the manic depression memescape., Psychology of Popular Media, April 2026, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/ppm0000663.
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