[Moose72]

Yesterday I was at church all day for two services and a little after-party for the choir. I had missed Thursday rehearsal and this other choir member asked why. One thing lead to another and i told her I have bipolar disorder. She seemed worried and surprised at the same time but she did stay at our table.

Then later a friend who has family members who are bp started asking me all sorts of questions in genetal about being bipolar.

I had another friend not want me around her kids when she found out im bipolar. Why are people afraid?

[Teddy Bear]

Because they feel we may become violent

[Moose72]

Pish posh. Ive never become violent.

[*Laurie*]

Because they're ignorant, and because they're afraid they might have a mental health problem.

Between government officials and the media some mentally ill are portrayed as violent, as TeddyBear wrote. Think of some of the recent mass shootings not done by terrorists. What do they all say? Mental illness was the cause. And even if those mass shooters were mentally ill, very few officials or media people remind people that most mentally ill are peaceful and more often victims than anything else. Stigma lives on, perpetrated by the most influential people.

My dad told my sister she wasn't allowed to hang out with one of her friends because her friend's mother has bipolar. He said, "She's batshit crazy. I am not going to let you be near that crazy woman. Who knows what she'll do to you! She could hurt you and then you end up in the hospital." (He never even met her, btw.)

That was years ago, though, when my sister was in middle school.

My parents have never been accepting of any mental illness, so I don't tell them anything anymore.

I talk very openly about my mental illness on FB. My husband even posted when I was in the psych ward that I was looking for visitors. Any potential new friends get told about my issues before I add them on FB. I weed out anyone afraid or unsupportive. I have pink hair and tattoos and piercings. I pole dance. I'm over all an odd ball. Love me or hate me, I don't care.

People are afraid of things they don't understand. It can be hurtful, but the truth is they are the ones missing out. We are worthwhile people and if they can't look past "bipolar" I feel sorry for them.

[RedDawn]

People are afraid of what they don't understand.

[Guiness187055]

They automatically think that we are like the Las Vegas shooter. The media has really given mental illness a bad name. We are all grouped under one image of a crazy mentally ill person.

Originally Posted by Guiness187055

They automatically think that we are like the Las Vegas shooter. The media has really given mental illness a bad name. We are all grouped under one image of a crazy mentally ill person.

Agreed but the individuals bear responsibility too. You don't have to be a genius to know not all Germans are Nazis, not all muslims are terrorists, not all mentally ill are violent. Its each individuals responsibility to look beyond what the TV tells them.

[~Christina]

People are just uneducated when it comes to MI ... As mentioned we hear on the news anytime someone does something horrific they are ________.

I am hopeful that one day the masses will learn more about MI and realize there are evil people in the world and it have nothing to do with mental illness.

[bluemountains]

Wow, Moose. I wish I could explain people. I try so hard to teach my students to be kind to all, no matter what they bring to the table. Saying this, I keep my diagnosis very private. Beyond my family only a handful of friends know. Some of these people who know are at my church, and I remember one telling me once that I should be a little more quiet about it because not all would understand.
Bluemountains

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

My dad told my sister she wasn't allowed to hang out with one of her friends because her friend's mother has bipolar. He said, "She's batshit crazy. I am not going to let you be near that crazy woman. Who knows what she'll do to you! She could hurt you and then you end up in the hospital." (He never even met her, btw.)

That was years ago, though, when my sister was in middle school.

My parents have never been accepting of any mental illness, so I don't tell them anything anymore.

My ex called me that! She taught my kids to say it to me when they were mad. I didn't think I could be triggered like that but you just brought a huge anger spike that took a few minutes to come down from. Not your fault, and no real harm done, but I literally saw red for a few minutes and nearly passed out from holding my breath. Again, no harm, but that phrase... I thought I'd relinquished it off its pretty, but no

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by TheSadGirl

I talk very openly about my mental illness on FB. My husband even posted when I was in the psych ward that I was looking for visitors. Any potential new friends get told about my issues before I add them on FB. I weed out anyone afraid or unsupportive. I have pink hair and tattoos and piercings. I pole dance. I'm over all an odd ball. Love me or hate me, I don't care.

People are afraid of things they don't understand. It can be hurtful, but the truth is they are the ones missing out. We are worthwhile people and if they can't look past "bipolar" I feel sorry for them.

I scare a lot off on FB before they stick around too. I warn them it's "my personal blog. I get raw and red and sometimes work blue. I'm bipolar and I still see value in life too. If you can handle that, cool. If not, tell me politely now and move on." My friends list is now down to 13 and probably will be less in a day or two.

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by TheSadGirl

Agreed but the individuals bear responsibility too. You don't have to be a genius to know not all Germans are Nazis, not all muslims are terrorists, not all mentally ill are violent. Its each individuals responsibility to look beyond what the TV tells them.

Unfortunately most don't. They believe everyone all at once, because they don't hunt for truth. Lemmings, marching towards the edge themselves instead of listening to those that have been there and back

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

People are just uneducated when it comes to MI ... As mentioned we hear on the news anytime someone does something horrific they are ________.

I am hopeful that one day the masses will learn more about MI and realize there are evil people in the world and it have nothing to do with mental illness.

Sometimes there really just is a defective person.

Originally Posted by SorryShaped

I scare a lot off on FB before they stick around too. I warn them it's "my personal blog. I get raw and red and sometimes work blue. I'm bipolar and I still see value in life too. If you can handle that, cool. If not, tell me politely now and move on." My friends list is now down to 13 and probably will be less in a day or two.

I'm glad I'm not the only one!

[SorryShaped]

Originally Posted by TheSadGirl

I'm glad I'm not the only one!

Exactly what I thought. Great minds think alike...(remainder of sentence after disclaimer)

And now for the other part of that sentence, a joke befitting this post:
...so do crazies.
I'm both.