Hi Brentus. You always ask such thought-provoking questions. I'll admit that sometimes thinking about some can be challenging, in various ways, but that's usually a good thing in the end.

What misinformation or misunderstandings have you ran into based on stigma from both professional and private interactions?

First off, I swear I had virtually no idea what bipolar disorder (or manic depression) was, when first diagnosed. So I was the first in my life. I thought of the mood episodes as "brain flus" that I'd just get over, but weren't any real diagnosable illness. As for others, many mistake it for "teenage angst" in youth, or in adulthood, the hypomanic/manic behavior was seen as inappropriate or even horrible personality. Depression weakness or even unreliability (when withdrawing from others). Often people compare you to others that may not even have the diagnosis. For example, "My daughter is going through something like you did." when they weren't. I also see some people claiming to have mania when they don't even have bipolar disorder or truly know real bipolar episodes.

Have you ever helped dismantle misinformation others have about your conditions?

I guess through my old blog. Oddly, most of my followers there didn't have bipolar disorder. I attracted them with other topics, initially. Many thanked me for making them understand bipolar illness. My blog was also recognized for challenging the whole "I am bipolar" thing. That there is more to me than the illness.

Name one misconception you had about Bipolar when you were first diagnosed.

The whole "brain flu" notion that I mentioned further above. Also, for so many years I always blamed others for their reactions to my hypomanic/manic behavior. Eventually, I had to take some responsibility. That was the only way I could truly accept treatment and stick with it.

Lastly, we all know the frustration of side effects with psych meds. Is there anything you wish you knew before taking a specific med/your current cocktail?

Yes, that Lithium was NOT my wonder drug. It did so little to manage my bipolar disorder, yet gave me so many lousy side effects, including kidney damage. I'm stuck with that for the rest of my life. I also developed hypothyroidism, but the thyroid stuff is no big deal compared to the kidney damage.

One other thing: Patience can sometimes pay off. Some side effects may not ever ease, but others do. It can be worth it not to immediately reject a specific medication. Ditto for revisiting a medication that might have been abandoned in the past. It's also good not to immediately blame a medication for something that might be partially or fully mood-related, age-related, or a genetic predisposition.