[kimber1234]

[partial rant]

So I am a teacher and eat lunch with co-workers that I've known for years. Towards the end of last school year, they were all talking about their students who were difficult to deal with. Keep in mind two of these teachers teach special ed. They started talking about... "She does..{this this and this}...she is so bipolar." another teacher would respond, "No, you know who's really bipolar..." then they'd talk about Susie student negatively describing actions not even remotely related to a bi-polar episode or even issues. After this went on for 10 minutes, I got so frustrated I said, you know who IS so bipolar- ME! That shut them up and they changed the subject.

This school year I've been eating lunch alone, but I've missed the down time of being around other people. Yesterday I tried eating with them again; it was the same thing. I got up and left. I'm sure they attributed that to me being "SO bi-polar." Ho-hum. I guess it's good that they feel comfortable enough to be themselves around me... I guess it's good I can see their true colors.

How can we get rid of this stigma?! UGH!!

[passionfruit3]

Maybe by doing what you did and speaking up even if there are consequences to us expressing ourselves like being forced to eat alone.i was one of those people who didn't speak up a lady at my program was talking behind a now good friend of mines back saying to someone dont believe anything she says she's crazy.knowing full well that she is mentally ill.i regret not speaking and you inspire me to surpass my shyness and try

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[Mountainbard]

I'm so sorry this happened. It's a disgrace for anyone to act that way, let along special ed teachers. I admire you for speaking up. And remember this is on them, not you. Remember also to be gentle with yourself.

[Fuzzybear]

It disgusts me .... the ignorance and "stupidity" of some of those who should know better

I guess they have no idea of the harm they do or more likely just don't care

Hugs to you

As sad as it is, your better off eating alone and being comfortable in your own skin than feeling you have to put on a mask and live up to someone elses expectations. Stuff other peoples opinions. Enjoy your own company and make up for the lonliness by being a part of this forum. Works for me.

Other people who don't understand or stigmatize, you are not going to change their opinions, only the way you react to them. Let them keep their ignorance and opinions, you don't need someone elses approval. Don't take it to heart, they don't understand they just want to label.

[CopperStar]

They should feel uncomfortable around you. They made complete ***hat fools out of themselves in front of you. Now they just don't even have enough class to apologize.

[Christopher1990]

Good for you!

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[BlackSheep79]

I agree, good for you. I've done that before and caught people off guard, it's so funny.

[tipper1492]

In my opinion the stigma is so huge, it will never ever go away. I told two of my old friends I was Bipolar, and they just fell by the way side. Now I tell no one. In my opinion, it is not my job to change the minds of so many people. I just live and let live. There are all kinds of things people do not understand just like psychical and medical health issues. I tell you something that also helped me. I searched Google - "How a person with Bipolar thinks" Article at top of the page. It helped me to understand many of the things I do and think are normal with Bipolar. Such as OCD. I add to this by saying most people with no mental disorder could read the same article, and just not understand what the hell is going on with us. It's just something they never experienced.

[kimber1234]

Thanks everyone!

I asked for help on a public forum and got 6 people telling me that i should not tell anyone i am struggling, and 2 people who said, people just dont care....

[kimber1234]

I am starting to think we should all try to tell EVERYONE! If we live our lives normally, ideally we wouldn't be too scared to speak out for ourselves. It would allow us to speak up for others who are too disabled to.

I just want to be accepted for who I am and not be ashamed if "people find out."

[BleakGeek]

I told everyone at work and on Facebook because I don't give a f*** who knows. It's not like I need to impress anyone. They always looked at me like I was wierd anyway. I just didn't want that extra weight on my shoulders trying to hide who I am.