Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
I have always thought of the stigma of being mentally ill was crippling and I wished that people knew certain things about what we go through because of it, the kind of people we are outside of it. I was wondering if I could get statements from people on this site who deal with mental illnesses, on what you wish people knew about you or a statement to break the stigma of Bipolar disorder and PTSD or simply something you want to share with the world. My goal is to put together a collection of poems and get them published and my goal is to incorperate the username or real name (if you're comfortable sharing) at the end of each poem as a dedication to the people who decide to give statements. Thank you for reading and I hope people decide to share, it can be anything you want to say, don't be afraid to express yourself whether it be who you are outside of this mental illness to the harsh realities of it. Hope everyone is having a wonderful day and hope you decide to share! :)
P.S I'm big on advocation and volunteer work, so any issues you think need advocating for or volunteer chances are also greatly apprciated if you have any, I'm big on the whole "trying to make the world a better place" in any way I can
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Hey All...I hope that you have a lovely, peaceful beginning of your weekI have a bunch of chores that need doing but may put them off til tomorrow and just hang out with my landlord/roomie todayWhat about you?...Anything special going on?Have a great day and take good care of you!!..Xo
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Once again I've had a fever today. I'm not going to the hospital because that's a huge waste of time but I did schedule a dr appointment for Wednesday afternoon.
Stigma is a delicate balance between , "you should" and "I can't". It's a "you should be able to pull yourself out of this," and "I can't without help."
Stigma is a shock to the system. When I'm stable Its so easy to live my life like this doesn't matter, doesn't affect me. Easy to pretend everything is normal, and that I am normal. Then reality comes sweeping in and dashes that hopeful façade to pieces. Stigma is being afraid to tell people about your diagnosis, worried about what they might think of you. Wanting so badly to be known for more than your illness, but worried you will be judged on it alone. Afraid that this illness will be your only legacy.
Stigma is wanting to be open and honest, but having to bite your tongue when people ask how you are doing because they don’t know, they can’t know, and oh god what if they find out. Wanting to be honest with people. To share your whole self, and not feel like you have to hide this part of who you are, because if it sees the light of day, you will no longer be you, but you will be IT. Worried that people won’t believe you, or think that you are faking, or think that you are just being over dramatic. Stigma is trying to educate, trying to express, trying so hard to make this disease normal, and it still not being enough. Stigma telling people you are suicidal, and instead of getting help or being helpful they say, “ that’s nothing to be suicidal about,” before leaving you in your room, alone, as you try to find reasons to keep on living. Stigma stems from ignorance. I'm not sure education alone is strong enough to eliminate it. We must also have compassion on those experiencing mental illness, and not try to put them into our preconceived ideals of who, and what they are.
Ok....that was a lot. Hope it wasn't too much.
It's simply an aspect of our lives that we have to work at to keep under control the best that we can
It's not who we are.....xo