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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ritkat 09/27/2017

I applied for a job as a mental health advocate and it appears that I'm one of the people that they are seriously considering. I have a video interview next Wednesday. Anyway, I got to thinking that putting myself out there like that could be detrimental. One of the requirements of being an advocate is that you are OK with your name being used in blog posts and press releases which is my concern. It would mean that people would know about me having bipolar disorder.

Personally, I think doing this would be something to be proud of and something that will make my husband and sons proud. I don't want them to spend their whole lives wondering why we can't talk about mama's "brain illness". My 4 year old isn't quite to the point of understanding bipolar disorder, but understands that I take medicine to keep my brain healthy and I go to the doctor every Thursday night to help me learn how to keep living a healthy life.

Anyway, what are your thoughts? Does anyone else think this is brave or is this just some stupid big idea thing that will do more harm than good?

Justitia 09/28/2017

Like, talking about yourself isn't professional to do around clients so I don't understand.. and I know it goes against both psychology and social work ethics.. so I'm not sure that would be ethically allowed....

ritkat 09/29/2017

This position involves serving as advisors for the programs that are run by the company. The company offers tools and support for patients with various illnesses as well as attempts to reduce stigma around illness to empower other individuals. It isn't specific to any illness including any mental illness. A large component surrounds the different tools that researchers and patients use through the company. This company provides press releases and also has blog posts that discuss the stories of their employees and the individuals that utilize the various tools. The tools include the ability to track symptoms, treatments, and onset of the illnesses so, yes there is a component that is not strictly advocacy. However, you still have to be willing to share your story with others and is a part of the role.

I'm also confused justita. Do you think all volunteer positions are not positions? I have included a few on my resume with success as they show the skills that I was trying to build. Should people who work for DBSA or NAMI not be included as professionals? Your statement has come off as incredibly insulting.

ritkat 09/29/2017

By the way justita, I'm sort of confused as to why you have to be so mean?

confessionsofaqueen 09/30/2017

I think you'll make an excellent advocate and you will benefit from it. You're on the right track. Best Wishes..<3

fireflywings 09/30/2017

Best wishes on the interview!

worca1 10/01/2017

I wish I had your courage. I've been off work for the last four weeks and I'm petrified of going back tomorrow. I need to come up a "story" of why I was out. I can't face telling them the truth and I wish I could. 90% of the time I am completely functional and "normal" and they were never know. I think you are courageous and brave and wish I had your strength.

OlderCPer 10/02/2017

@ritkat, hey girl, I think justita is a bit immature in how things go when you actually work in the Mental Health industry like we do. Its not like working in Corporate America where everyone tries to hide everything they can about themselves from each other. The Mental Health Center I worked at had many Counselors and Volnteers and Group Leaders that had Mental Illnesses and we encourages everyone to be as comfortable about sharing with each other and patients as they could be. Patients often tend to relax and open up more when they don't think they're the 'mice' being studied. I wouldn't let it get to you. Like you I also list my Volunteer position of the last few years on my Resume to keep it current even though my "paying" job is in Finance now.

I hope you do well and enjoy the new position.

Kat

mlr0853 10/02/2017

Hi Rit...Wishing You The Best For The Greatest Outcome...hoping the following page will assist you with your prep work ;-)

https://www.bing.com/search?pc=EUPP_WCUG&FORM=WCUGDF&q=interview+questions+for+mental+health+advocate+position

bookmaven 10/03/2017

i think you're making a good choice in pursuing this. not only for the good you can do for our population, but also for your own self-esteem and self-enhancement. good luck with the interview!

ritkat 10/03/2017

Thanks everyone! The interview is tomorrow at 6 EST. Mlr - thank you so much for the link. I'm getting nervous as it comes closer.

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