i dont let it bother me anymore people are always going to try to stereotype us i dont care what other people think anymore everyone is entitled to there own judgement even if it is wrong thats why i just tell family and close friends about my illness

It doesn't bother me much to tell you the truth... I educate people when I can and try to reach out now more online then anywhere however I think it's important to advocate ...
Unfortunately a lot of people who are homeless are people with a mental illness....It's important for the general public to know that many people with a mental illness are also very successful...x

I didn't even know that there are people who think everyone who is mentally ill is homeless.
I do think that there are probably more people who think everyone who is homeless is mentally ill -- another 'stereotype' that exists.

I don't think anyone likes being the object of a negative stereotype.

Yeah. I'm not all that BOTHERED by the fact that some people automatically think I am crazy.
But I don't LIKE it, either.

I don't like 'negative stereotypes' in general, no matter what they're about.

My answer was buying T-shirts from crazymed.com, The words are spelled out in pills. "Medicated for your protection." "Brain Cooties Aren't contagious." But as far as what other people "Think", it ain't non of my business.

I think it bothers me because it is personal. I know I am not crazy and I take care of myself by taking my meds. It is not something I would tell to just anybody. I see the meds as something. I need to do to stay balanced. I have no shame about being np or taking meds.

Great Thread!!!!!!

I think tolerance and acceptance is an inside job...

Why would I let a stranger, or even a close persons THOUGHTS and words - bother my day, night, obsess or takes things "Personally" when its the other persons issues, thoughts and words?

I do not judge people for things they have no choice or control...
Skin Color
IQ
Families
Mental Illness
and most the time - I don't judge Addicts or alcoholics - I know it is also a disease, with obsession, compulsion and physical dependence...

I do kinda judge people by their actions and choices...

Before I was aware that I'm responsible for my own happiness, thoughts and reactions (not other people, not Wasband, bosses, friends) I am responsible I how I handle things...

So, for the last 10 or so years - I believe, I need to Accept racist, ignorance, rude, - anything I disagree with really - I don't have to understand or defend - you can't crawl in peoples minds and fix them to think your way -

Tolerance and understanding is something everyone wants - but I find beepers are almost stomping their feet - Understand ME, but yet we don't let others be mad, or crazy, wrong, or make mistakes.... St Francis prayer helped inspire me, and gave me tools to change this - I"m offended, upset, and YOU hurt my feelings attitude -

****Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;""""

I can't change small minded, ignorant peoples - words. I can change my attitude, and be responsible for my own happiness, and not give Yucky words - that much space in my already fucked up brain : )

Doesn't the word Stereotypes - already prove the point, its just a perception and Judgement?

Fat people aren't lazy
Black people aren't criminals
Smart people usually lack common sense LOL (ok, I made up that one!!!"
Mormon missionaries that knock on your door all have bikes...

Put slippers on - we can't carpet the world : )

idk I'll take my kind crazy over some of the so called "normies" any day of the week!!

Be you and be secure in that.

I have a Tshirt that says "It's people like you who make people like me need medication". Ha!

Inside me yes it does. Pp in my town say mentally ill pp should come forward and bare it all. Then there is a big killing etc and they say the person was Bipolar.

Doesn't bother me at all cuz I never tell anyone I have Bipolar

That there is a stigma attached to mental illness pisses me off in general. I don't let it affect me personally though. I am me, I also happen to have bipolar disorder. I will tell anyone about it pretty much any time, though it is not usually the first thing I tell people, nor is the fact the I have hypothyroidism. It is a disorder, in my opinion, no different than any other that requires medicine to control.

I like organizations like "Bring Change 2 Mind" that are working to end the stigma. Having a mental illness should be no different than having diabetes, however we all know the world has not progressed that far yet. I just keep trying to educate those I meet and provide an example of how "normal" a person with bipolar disorder can be.

I don't tell many i have a hard enough time with family thinking emotion means episode. It does piss me off when so called normal people make a joke involving mental illness like oh the weather has been so bipolar this year........almost grabbed that lady's golden locks and educated her on the seriousness of bipolar but i restrained myself.

I don't like assumptions because your mentally ill you have to be on meds to control it..............i do think everyone needs to find what works for them. some do acupuncture who knew..........I also dont like when they assume because you have a mental illness you are slowww and need them to be simplistic in there conversations or directions to you. ............im in a bite me kind of mood and i have to go out today this may not be good from looking at this reply lol

Yes. But I try to push it out of my mind. There are lots of ignorant people out there and I refuse to let them ruin my day.