Quote:
Originally Posted by Brentus
What misinformation or misunderstandings have you ran into based on stigma from both professional and private interactions?
Have you ever helped dismantle misinformation others have about your conditions?
Name one misconception you had about Bipolar when you were first diagnosed.
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?
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I haven't really into many misunderstandings or stigma, mainly because I keep my diagnosis to myself. "It's not their business until it is their business." One that I did run into was a family member interpreting every normal mood-related up and down through the lens of bipolar disorder. I mean, I'm allowed to get mad and not be manic!
The other one was a bit more insidious. It was the "Why aren't you better?" argument. Believe me, I wish I was, but I had to politely explain the lifetime nature of this illness. It's not due to lack of effort. Lack of willpower.
I never really had a chance to dismantle misinformation as I keep my diagnosis private and those I have told are fairly knowledgeable on the subject.
As far as my own misconceptions go, I had a good idea what was going on by a certain point and did my research. I was pretty clear eyed about it when my diagnosis came.
Considering meds, I have to echo most of the previous posts and say the weight gain from atypicals. The most drastic was risperdal, but the others I was on made their mark too.