I really don't run into stigma from my personal experience with bipolar disorder. I work full-time in a profession I've been in for 28 years. I have a good family life for the most part. While I have had quite a few hospitalizations, no one has treated me differently for having to do so. After my last hospitalization, my supervisor sat with me and really asked me to educate her about bipolar disorder. It was an intelligent and supportive discussion.

As bad as things have been for me at times, and right now I'm in the middle of one of those bad times, I know I always come out on the other side and move on.

I take care of myself. I have a good therapist and a good psychiatrist. When I do need meds, like now, I am willing to take them so that I can continue to keep on with my life.

Are there ignorant people out there? Sure. I just choose not to make them part of my life. They aren't really that hard to avoid from my experience.