[LoveLoveS]

Am I the only one that gets extremely depressed when people say that I am CRAZY?!

It makes me angry then I get really depressed.

One of my friends thinks I am crazy because of my extreme mood swings. I've lost several friends from snapping on them or being too emotional. I wish this would go away... I'm just tired....

[BipolaRNurse]

I've actually only been called "crazy" to my face once, and that was from a very sweet and concerned friend who didn't know any better words to use. I forget what we were talking about---I was venting about some situation at home---and she said something along the lines of "But it's not YOUR fault you're crazy, they just need to be more supportive...."

It was like a slap in the face.....at first. Then I realized that she was only using it to describe my condition, not me as a human being, and not having any personal experience with mental illness herself she had no idea that 'crazy' might be offensive. So I let it slide.

Now, if someone I don't know well were to come up to me and say, "You're one of those crazy people", I'd be rather unhappy.

[LoveLoveS]

I see... this makes me feel much better about this. They just don't understand how to describe it. Even though I DO feel crazy sometimes, I know I'm not.
Thanks! I really like this place! Everyone is so helpful! I wish I could bring everyone with me everywhere I go

Good night!

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

I've actually only been called "crazy" to my face once, and that was from a very sweet and concerned friend who didn't know any better words to use. I forget what we were talking about---I was venting about some situation at home---and she said something along the lines of "But it's not YOUR fault you're crazy, they just need to be more supportive...."

It was like a slap in the face.....at first. Then I realized that she was only using it to describe my condition, not me as a human being, and not having any personal experience with mental illness herself she had no idea that 'crazy' might be offensive. So I let it slide.

Now, if someone I don't know well were to come up to me and say, "You're one of those crazy people", I'd be rather unhappy.

[BipolaRNurse]

We're just a few keystrokes away, any time you need us. Welcome to PC!

Originally Posted by LoveLoveS

Am I the only one that gets extremely depressed when people say that I am CRAZY?!

It makes me angry then I get really depressed.

One of my friends thinks I am crazy because of my extreme mood swings. I've lost several friends from snapping on them or being too emotional. I wish this would go away... I'm just tired....

no you are not the only one

i hate it if i'm honest

in the words of matchbox 20...

i'm not crazy- i'm just a little unwell

[A Red Panda]

I've really only ever been insulted by my family... but I still know how you're feeling based on things other people have said. They didn't outright say crazy, but the meaning came across.

I tend to use the word crazy (and weird and other words which mean the same as them) as compliments and as a way to describe how I'm doing. If someone calls me something like that (weird especially) I tend to just say thank you! They don't know how to respond to that anymore... haha. Or if thank you wouldn't fit I might say "Yep, and?"

Both responses acknowledge what they've said and basically put the onus back on them. Both show that I've accepted who I am, and if they've got a problem with it... they will have to explain what that is or keep their peace.

[Inedible]

I've never understood why someone would call a person crazy to their face if they really believe it is true. If they are right it is dangerous. If they are wrong it is just insulting. There is no good reason I can think of and no situation in which it would be helpful.

I've had people tell me that. But my usual reply to that is, "It's the only thing that keeps me from going insane."

[faerie_moon_x]

It depends on the situation, really. I don't like the word "crazy" as a way to describe my bipolar ways, however; sometimes I am being "crazy." It depends on the context of how it is said and what it intended.

If it is being used as an insult, then it really hurts my feelings. But if it's used like "you are acting crazy right now," I try to use that a guage to where I am, because I can't always tell. Also maybe because in that context I'm not being told I am personally crazy, but my behavior is. And sometimes it's hard for people to find words when they are also frustrated.

But, I have been called "crazy" before in a mean way and it's very painful. One that really normally hurts me is "you're a mess." That hurts me more than crazy. I think because it makes me feel like the person is observing that things are wrong, but instead of offering help they are just judging me on it.

Well, you know how I feel about that kind of thing, so I won't make any other comment
except to say that I think it's largely the result of ignorance.

BipolarNurse is right in her view, I think, but I would be inclined if it ever happened to me
to say to that person, "does that make you feel any more secure about yourself?" And
"don't you realize that when you make statements like that you are revealing yourself?"

[Silent Void]

I wear CRAZY as a badge of honor. It is an exhausting occupation.

[Trippin2.0]

Yes, that ^ that is me. I don't mind the word crazy at all. Its a beautiful part of who I am. I'm crazy beautiful I use it, friends and family use it, yes sometimes to describe me, lol even my bf says he loves me with crazy and all, it sets me apart, and apparantly makes me unique and interesting. He's not too sure if he would've been attracted to me on all levels was I "normal", the physical appeal wears off, but apparantly the crazy beautiful personality does not!...I'm sometimes hard to understand, yes, but accepted nonetheless, and that is worth more to me than understanding any day.

If we were all meant to understand everyone, it wouldn't be so damn difficult in the first place and people wouldn't still be writing "relationships for dummies" books, because there'd be a full proof manual by now and friends, families and lovers could all get along always because we all have that understanding many of us crave.

Disclaimer, I don't get offended easily, I removed my "offended gland" years ago. So maybe that's why I don't find it offensive in the first place. I removed it by picking up the habit of turning an insult into a compliment eg. "Lia you're such a b!tch" ~ me; "Why thank you that the nicest thing I've heard all day!"

[jesusplay]

I'm depressed. I don't care what other people have to say, it doesn't matter. We are all people composed of the same atoms. When we die we all go back into the universe as we are just atoms.

[jesusplay]

for me to care what someone else has to say while I'm depressed requires effort, I don't have effort. Once you stop giving people the power to control you, the closer you'll be to...a...better state I guess? I enjoy my depression, it usually cancels out my anxiety but it hurts at the same time.

[winter4me]

This actually happened to me yesterday, during a minor "heated discussion" with my son. It bothered me Overmuch. I know, and didn't say anything, that the reason it bothered me was because it was used as a phrase to dismiss me/my response. {...and a little while later, he knocked on my door with an offer of a potato pancake for breakfast} So, yeah sometimes it bothers me, depends on person and situation.

[EBD8]

Maybe it's because I'm older now but it doesn't bother me now as much anymore and I did such a good job of hiding it. I usually tell people up front now that I'm bipolar. I'm not nearly as ashamed of myself as I used to be although I still keep to myself a lot. I deal a lot with grandiose thoughts so I have to be careful.

[LoveLoveS]

Thanks everyone! This place is really helping me understand bipolar disorder a little more. I am scared someday this will happen.. LOL!!