I told a coworker the other day that I'm bipolar. Her eyes got big, and she took a half step backwards and incredulously asked if I was serious. "I would never have thought that of you," she said, "You seem so normal and down-to earth."

That instant, I regretted telling her, because she obviously did not understand what bipolar really is, and now I feel like she's afraid of me...

Sadly, it isn't the first time that I've gotten that reaction... not at all. I think most people expect a "bipolar" individual to be extremely moody minute-to-minute and prone to fits of rage. How untrue that is... People think I'm "normal" until I mention it to them, and 95% of the time, they're SHOCKED to learn that I'm bipolar because I don't fit the stereotype in their heads.

All mental illnesses are so stigmatized, and unfortunately, I think the only way people come to really understand and appreciate them for what they actually are is if they or someone very close to them is diagnosed and dealing with a mental illness.

I want to continue to be open about it, but I get tired of shocking people. It makes me sad.