The
term bipolar disorder scares people. The
stigma associated with mental illness can be attributed the misconceptions of most people. They are uninformed about the facts and make assumptions. Some people use words such as crazy, maniac, and madness to describe bipolar
disorder. This can cause negative reactions and fear. I have been
guilty of this myself.
I have been known to
put myself into situations where my mouth has gotten me in
trouble. I consider myself to be honest when it comes to sharing my
thoughts and opinions. More often than not, I will blurt out the first
thing that comes to my mind. Sometimes the things I express
are meant to be funny but it usually comes out as inappropriate. I am not
trying to be hurtful.
While sharing my
diagnosis of bipolar disorder, I have mostly received love and support. I
have shared my story with many people through facebook and in person. I
have spoken to friends and strangers. I feel the need to inform everybody
that would listen about the facts about my disorder to help alleviate the
stigma. I want to show others that having bipolar disorder does not mean
you are a monster. I look normal, just like everyone else. My whole
mission in sharing my story is to put a real face to a disorder that most
people don't understand.
On the other hand, I
have also left myself open to criticism from others. When I write, it
comes from my heart. In sharing my story, I have given people access to
my innermost thoughts and feelings; I have left myself vulnerable and open to
be hurt. I am aware that there will be people who will not agree with my
opinions or with what I have to say. I know that I should just let the negative
comments roll off my back.
The biggest criticisms
have come from family members; they either ignore it completely or
enthusiastically declare their opinions about something they know nothing
about. I do not need my personal truth to be negated. I do not
believe I have an illness that can be prayed away. Yes, I feel that I
have a proper diagnosis and need medication. I know enough about my
condition to feel that I am doing what is best for me, despite your
disagreement. I am proud that I am going to school and have a goal to
become a psychologist. Yes, I know becoming a psychologist will take
years. I do not agree that I am wasting valuable time in school instead
of in the workplace; you have a right to your opinion but it does not make mine
wrong. Yes, I realize that you think that the field of psychology is a
load of crap. And yes, I would make an excellent psychologist, but not
because "it takes crazy to know crazy".
I am sure I will hear
worse things as time goes on. Anonymous people will disagree. People will question the validity of my statements. Others may tell me
that I am not authorized to write about what I know to be true. I may get my
facts wrong once in a while, but this is about my experience. I do not
claim to be an expert of a reputable website. I will continue to share my
story hoping that I am helping at least one person out there understand
their disorder or the disorder of a loved one. I only wish that other people weren't so judgmental.
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