How do Buddhists handle mental illness such as depression or bipolar disorder? How is mental health dealt with by Bhuddists? Is it believed to be a tangible issue e.g. imbalances of chemicals in the brain? Or an issue of the spirit (not sure if spirit is the right word)? 

Is treatment with western medicine (i.e. antidepressants/mood stabilizers, talk therapy) condemned or accepted? 

Is there stigma surrounding these illnesses like in the western culture?

Is depression thought of an extreme form of dukkha or similar?

How are hypomania/major depressive episodes handled?



I hope this makes sense, thanks :)
Bipolar and depression are both very serious mental illnesses and should be treated accordingly. Too often dharma teachers who are unprepared try to resolve what are true clinical issues. As I was once told "sometimes meditation is the answer sometimes medication is the answer." That of course does not mean that practice can not help with these problems but the appropriate tools should be used at the appropriate time and instance.