It is classified as a mood disorder. I think we can call it whatever we want. What is most important is how we manage it and our behavior with it. I am sorry you are having that experience. I havent had anyone refer to me as crazy when I have told them. Most people are very understanding.

Who calls you that?

Hugs

I know what you mean. I do, however, think that there is more awareness out there now a days. I don't usually just blurt it out to everyone I meet, though. I have them see that I am fine and "normal" and then, if it is appropriate, I will talk about it. Usually, I try to be as brief as possible unless it is someone who I think will understand, when I am talking about it.

I don't think changing the name would help. I think people are going to misunderstand it no matter what. You just have to let them get to know you so they can see and therefore understand that you are not crazy.

I'm so sorry you are finding out how limited people are in their knowledge of this illness, and how it takes forever for people to change their minds. They call us "crazy" because of the tendency for mania to become psychotic. The very word "psychotic" sends some people heading for the hills. Unfortunately, I would suggest that you be careful who you tell that you are Bipolar. Let people get to know you first. This is something between you, your family, and your closest friends. I hate it too but it's just the way things are until around 2050 when people are more knowledgeable.

No matter what the label is .. the important thing is that you follow treatment.. as far as letting people know you suffer from this disease, I would just talk to your family and closest friends.. I have a policy not to tell virtual strangers about any of the diseases I fight... people are still uninformed on this disease and if anything may have seen media hype leaning towards the psychotic nature of this disease... which tends to imply the insanity plea.. anyhow you know your not crazy so who cares what others think.. just be more selective in who you share your medical condition with...((hugs))

I agree with other posters...I don't tell anyone I am bipolar...well, anyone other than my immediate family (mom, dad, brother) and DS friends. Nobody else knows other than those who need to know (tdoc, pdoc, etc). Other than that, its nobody's business. If I have an episode or something like that, I am just "sick" and that is the end of that. People have learned to leave me and my health issues alone because they know I do not want to talk about them, but they do know I have them.

In Britain I find that there's complete apathy towards people with 'bipolar disorder', because the media here like to undermine the illness by labelling it a 'celebrity fad', due to people like Amy Winehouse and Kerry Katona. It inspires a lot of dismissive responses.
However, you tell someone you're a 'manic depressive' and you may as well have just stuck spoons in your ears and proclaimed you're the reincarnation of Napoleon.
I find that in the UK, the word 'bipolar' makes people think of celebrities gone wild. Manic depression, however, frightens the hell out of them.
I don't think they realise they're the same damn thing.