[lifelies]

Hi everybody.
I'm not usually in the Bipolar forums (in fact I have been gone from the forums for a while), but I just wanted to say something and I think this is the best place.
Aren't you all tired of people who think Bipolar Disorder is "black&white thinking" and/or BPD?
I really am. I recall doing two researches about mental disorders at school, and I always made sure to include the difference between Bipolar Disorder and BPD.
And for my own good I'm not even going to talk about what people think about DID, because it's also a disaster.

I think people should be much more educated about mental disorders. Nowadays, everybody knows what disorders smoking can cause, yet they don't understand the big differences between most mental disorders.

I hope that in other countries (I live in Spain) there is a better situation, but I'm afraid there isn't almost any awareness about mental disorders in any country.

Thanks god there are some sites like PsychCentral where the curious people can do a little research!

Hugs,
Allie

[BiPolski]

You are absolutely right in my opinion. It has always angered me that the only time you hear about anyone being bi polar is when there is a mass murder (aurora, sandy hook, etc) The media should do it's job and actually help spread the word and educate people about mental illness rather than just bring it up when some psycho killer goes off. It perpetuates the ignorance and stigmatizes us as a bunch of crazies. I love Spain btw I went to Madrid for two weeks once.

[gayleggg]

I, agree people should be more educated. And I'm angry at being denied health insurance because I'm bipolar. They would have overlooked my history of breast cancer or my heart problems. for those they said no problem, but the last question they asked was "you're not bipolar are you?" After my yes answer, they said we are sorry but we can't take you. Sorry to rant but it does make me angry that people don't know anything about mental health issues except what is broadcast on the news and it is always bad.

[Samanthagreene]

Yeah, most people I meet still think schizophrenia is DID and bipolar is just depressed. Where I live, everyone has to take health, where some people from NAMI came and talked about mental health, but it wasn't very helpful. I don't know about other places.

[Dylanzmama]

Miriam Carey could've been me...

[~Christina]

Yes in an ideal world people would be understanding and want to learn about mental illness.... But this isn't an ideal world... But honestly if the average Joe should be informed and learning the different types of mental illness .. Shouldn't we all in turn have to learn all about all kinds of illness someone else might have? Only seems fair.

The reality is mental illness is still frowned upon like say persons with Aids ... Yes Aids acceptance has come along way but its still something most people flat out fear because of misinformation.

Maybe one day acceptance and understanding will be common, until then we all have to just carve out a way to manage the best we can.