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.

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heretic 11/14/2011

I'm wondering if having a mental illness tends to make a person more compassionate. More understanding of another's flaws and struggles.

Does mental illness make us more empathetic to others pain? Make us somehow better able to relate to those who are suffering?

I'm thinking the answer's yes, and wondering if I've finally found something good to come out of being ill.

deleted_user 11/14/2011

yes, i think so. certainly more empathetic towards those facing mental-health issues.

deleted_user 11/14/2011

It would make sense.

tommymott 11/14/2011

Maybe, maybe not. I think that first we're compassionate people and our experience with mental illness may make us more compassionate, at least to others who are mentally ill. And that's good, because I've found that mental illness makes me cynical and hard.

deleted_user 11/14/2011

i think u got a good theory... it may be mental illness makes us understand more, which leads to more compassion for others... it can also lead others in the opposite direction. life experiences also play a factor, but i do find others like myself who are more willing to accept others flaws and all

deleted_user 11/14/2011

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."

--- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

xo

LindaJean 11/14/2011

I think you are absolutely right. How can you know what other people are feeling if you have not had those feelings?

deleted_user 11/14/2011

being bipolar has made me more compassionate

Lea-Benny 11/14/2011

I think that answer is yes, I find people with mental illness are more accepting, and I tend to me more accepting of other flaws then people I know without mental illness.

I cry a lot for others pain cause I tend to put myself in their shoes, I don't know if its the mental illness or a trait, my twin tends to be the same ways.

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