|
I don't believe most people understand -nor do I really expect them to- bipolar disorder. So I don't discuss it. 2 people in my life know, and I definitely wouldn't reveal or discuss it with anyone I don't know very well, not worth it.
My cousin has bipolar (I) disorder. He's kind of a jerk (outside of episodes, nothing to do with his bipolar), but my cousin (his brother) and his wife think that *this* is part of what it's all about (his brother's character). I've tried to explain it to them (without revealing my diagnosis and telling them I know about it through working in healthcare) and I do think they've come around a bit, but not enough that I'm going to be sharing it with them.
My mother -regarding the same cousin- if he, on the phone, exhibits any change in energy (sounds especially energetic or something) she says 'he's manic.' I think a lot of people think that people with bipolar are constantly moody, swinging from this to that, and I don't want people scrutinizing my every mood/emotion, assuming it's bipolar, when more often than not, it's not.
I hope that those close to me will try to accept me the way I am, and challenge me, as well, when necessary. There are things they won't understand like I do, but I don't want people thinking of me in terms of stereotypes or misinformation and I also fear that in telling people they will think that I'm trying to use it as an excuse. I am the way I am, I do my best (sometimes not enough) at any given time. I don't want to be defined by the label. So, again, I just don't tend to share it, and I think it saves a lot of grief.
|