Please don't stereotype those with bipolar?

Question

I have been living with bipolar for about 8 yrs now, and it's bothering me how people with this illness are stereotyped. People talk about how off the wall and wacko Tom Cruise is, then someone will say, yeah he's bipolar or something. Or someone commits a murder or awful act and is diagnosed with bipolar, then people don't trust anyone who bipolar thinking they will be the same way. I just want those to know that I'm diagnosed with it, yet I have no violent history whatsoever. I'm a hard-working and loving mother to my children, and I worry for people and want the best for others. I'm not trying to complain, I just want you all to know that because every person is different, also every person with bipolar is different. I feel ashamed and guilty to tell anyone of my illness for fear that they will not trust me or think I am dangerous. Does any one out there having bipolar know how I feel? Thank you for hearing me out. Take care!

Answer 1

You are one of many people who act responsibly, take your medicine, and don't cause trouble. The problem is that there are too many irresponsible people with the disorder who do cause trouble and give all of you a bad reputation.
Also, I think there are variable levels of the disease, and you might have a milder form than some others.

Answer 2

sure! I recognize the form you have self belief. i'm bipolar, unmediated nicely suited now for the reason that my scientific professionals cant agree on what the pill of the day is. After a on a similar time as you get to comprehend on a similar time as the up's and downs are coming and have an inclination to manage your self for them. i admire my enjoyed ones and would never do any element to break them, I have no thought why society characterizes us as nut jobs. In all honesty i think each is Bipolar in there own potential.

Answer 3

YES! I understand how you feel. I am bipolar, unmediated at this time because my doctors cant agree on what the pill of the day is. After a while you get to know when the up's and downs are coming and tend to prepare your self for them. I love my family and would never do any thing to hurt them, I don't know why society characterizes us as nut jobs. In all honesty I think every one is Bipolar in there own way.

Answer 4

I don't have the condition, but I spent twelve years with a man that does. I commend you for taking your medication because that is what keeps your from being like the stereotypical Manic. The person I was with was fine, but as he got older, took his meds less, he became more daring. Long story short, I had to press charges against him for stalking me, breaking and entering my home, destruction of property... Because he couldn't handle the break up. He did these things while have a full blown manic episode. Because of his condition he said "I could kill you and not spend a day in jail". The judge thought differently. I convinced them that his condition was behind his behavior more than him just acting out. They ordered him to therapy. I attended a few of those sessions and I know you are not all subject to this behavior, but I know you are all capable of it if you don't take your medication.

Sorry to hear this is upsetting to you, but please be fair to the people you meet and let them not early on. You will win some friends and you will lose some, but take your medicine.

God bless.

Answer 5

I, myself, do not have bipolar but a few of my good friends do. My best friend has bipolar 1 and another friends have bipolar 2. I have done extensive study of the disorder to better understand my friends. I even did my thesis on it. I wish people would not be ashamed or afraid to admit they have the disorder. Lack of knowledge will lead even the best person to pre-judge. You need to speak up when the opportunity arises and inform others.

Answer 6

I don't think I have BPD and I am very aware that I know all too little about it. Many people, of course, have mood swings and it's only when they reach a certain stage or frequency (I think) that they are classed as a 'disorder'.

I totally agree that many people take a label without understanding what it means and use it because it sounds clever or because it seems to explain odd behaviour. The same thing happens with, for example, dyslexia, epilepsy, ADHD and many other things.

If someone told me that they had bipolar disorder, I would first wonder why they were telling me and then I would ask what that means for them. Even if they had told me that fact, I would feel a little uncomfortable at having to ask for more details, since it seems a little intrusive to ask people details about an illness/disorder. You very likely feel the same, so it is embarrassing for you to embarrass someone by putting them in that position, I suspect.

If, on the other hand, you start out by accepting yourself for what you are and making it your duty, almost, to inform people by example and are willing to talk about it with people (perhaps in a detached way at first, by having the proper facts at your fingertips about what BPD is generally), then, because you are obviously not embarrased by it, other people will be less so and will become more interested and open about it.

I hope that helps - and I hope I said it right. Think, if you will, of other people you know who have talked about their illnesses with you and notice what they have done to alleviate embarrasment on both sides. It seems to me that it is the people who have accepted themselves for what they are that are best at it - and are an example to us all!

Answer 7

Yeah I have bipolar disorder too, but I still think Tom is a mess. He needs treatment and he is not going to get it with his relgious beliefs. I do not like the way people call bipolar people monsters. I do not like the way when someone commits a murder they say they are mentally ill. What about all the people that commit crimes who are not. They never mention this person was not mentally ill, but just a cruel person. Mentally ill people are more likely to be victums that to commit crimes themselves. I will never like tom because he creates stigma himself and keeps people away from treatment himself.

why not look at this site and involve yourself with stigma busters
http://www.nami.org
it is under take acton. Set yourself up to be informed under stigma busters you do not have to make a donation to join and you can let them know what is going on in your community and be involved with fighting stigma by writing emails. You do not have to use your real name.

Answer 8

I have found different natural ways of working with bipolar if you are interested in sharing tips let me know. I completely agree with what you are saying. I don't like people to use their problems as excuses and being able to get by with it as it does make everyone else look bad.
Have a Wonderful day.

Answer 9

My friend is bipolar and I know what you are going through. Despite medication he still had a hard time holding a job and friends. He was one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I also suffer from depression (I know it's not as bad as bipolar). People can be very cruel, they are just ignorant motherf#@*kers. Don't let them get to you. I know it's hard but just remember despite what you are going through YOU are a better person. Surround yourself with family and REAL friends. Take care & be strong!!;)

Answer 10

I know even the police are afraid, when they capture an escapee from a mental hospital. Once I had to go with the police to pick a patient up because they feared him. The calm non violent ones do not make the headlines.