Do you remember when you were a kid? back before you were diagnosed. all the stuff people would say to you about why you are acting weird or having problems.

I wasn't diagnosed until a few months ago, but now that I know about PB, I can remember times when I was young and either depressed or hypomanic. I remember all the things people would tell me. I would get depressed when I was in school, and my grades would plummit. "your just not trying hard enough", or "he's just going through a faze". I remember trying to tell people that something was wrong with me, that it wasn't normal. my parents and teachers would say that every one feels like that growing up. all my life I've had people tell me what they thought my problem was. people always try to group me in with the majority."every one has ups and downs, you just have to deal with it." no one can comprehend someone not being like everyone else. I hate all that old wisdom that people always try to tell you. people think it applies to everyone. I try to say "some people are different", but people always think they have the world figured out. The worst is self help crap. "just think positive" (although I'm sure that stuff isn't meant for people with a mental illness). It really pisses me off sometimes.

I feel so vindicated now. I wasn't just having a hard time coping with the normal things in life. I was dealing with a mental illness. I'm so happy I finally went to see a shrink.


-Garrett