Quote:
Originally Posted by Medicated
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.
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I agree with what you posted Medicated and I'm sorry you had that response from a co-worker. I have been open about my diagnosis at work, and I have found that since I have been back to work I have been treated differently (I was on an 8 month leave in 2007/2008). It is annoying and I often feel sad about it, but I love my career and I won't let some ignorant twits make me give that up!
In some ways I don't blame people for having these ridiculous stereotypes in their head because often all that gets reported in the media is the extreme situations that many of us haven't experienced and/or haven't experience since becoming med compliant, abstaining from drugs, alcohol etc. Most of the time we all just live average lives.
I don't think one needs to be open about their diagnosis to make a difference. One can just speak up when someone makes an inappropriate comment about mental illness. I actually wrote a blog entry about this topic.