Guess you would call this a rant about my life story....

I have Bipolar disorder. I am not bipolar for that would sound as if it defines me. It is something I have not something I am. Our family does not have cable and tonight sparked by a People cover I started reading a little on Fox News. A story caught my eye about a tragic murder-suicide in Conn. In the midst of the few articles I read they pointed to the woman as being BiPolar. This lead to more reading, to more articles, to more frustration on my part. People in society only see BiPolar individuals most often at the worst. Either in the midst of a dark depession, which statistics show, does lead to high suicide rates among those of us with the disorder. Or in the middle of a Manic episode when one seems to be completely out of control. People don't see those of us that live fully normal lives 90% of the time. They overlook the responsible ones that do pay thousands for medication, and continue to take it even when we feel normal. Society tends to forget that we are wonderful wives and mothers. We battle insurance companies to cover us and hear the all to often jokes about "she is crazy, she must be bipolar" in casual conversation. Living with mental illiness is SO hard, harder that you could ever imagine even on good days you tend to worry about what could happen next. I have had two major life changing, Life changing is an understatement, Manic episodes in the past 15 years. My "high" as most call it, lasting weeks into months. It made me do some very unthinkable things to my family and to myself. It cost me years of college studies, and a few years ago my career, and almost my family. BUT I do not use it as a crutch or a reason to feel sorry for my self. I do not self medicate with drugs and alcohol, I have an educated husband who knows what signs to look for to help me be on top of my behavior. When you read an article or hear of someone that has done something terrible and their mental illiness is to blame, just remember that there are so many of us out there that fight the battle everyday with all of the resources we have to stay mentally healthy. Bad times come, sometimes very bad times, but remember the good.

She watches for bargians. Proverbs 31:18.

I am happy you are doing what you can to control the disorder. I have 2 sisters who do nothing about theirs. One knows she has the disorder and refuses to take medication, and the other refuses to admit anything is wrong with her. I must say, the both of them have put our entire family through hell-o and back. If it would do them any good, I would take the medicine for them.

Great post !!!

My mother suffered for years with BiPolar which at that time was called manic/depressive. She was treated with such barbaric treatments including shock therapy.

My wife currently suffers from BiPolar disorder. She has gone more than 4 years asymptomatic now that we have found the correct cocktail of medication.

It is more wide spread than many think and sadly many people who suffer do self medicate.

Shawn

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There are many people who have a severe mental illness that self medicate with drugs and alcohol. They are refered as a dual diagnosis these types have bad outcomes. This percentage is very high for the bad outcomes. I work in a emergency room and so many have repeat hospitalizations and trips to jail. You are one of the lucky ones who do care for yourself and reconize you have an illness that needs to monitored. It's always the ones who do bad things brings light to different disorders. Infanticide came to light after the one lady from Florida..(I'm drawing a blank what her name is..).

Yes I agree with Shawn. My husband is bipolar. It has taken a while to find the right combination of meds, but that is the key, the meds. When people do not take their medication, THAT is what causes all the problems. Those who DO what they are suppose to do should not be labeled or looked down at. It is definitely a tough road to walk having a loved one who suffers with it. It helps to get as much information on it and stay involved with their treatment plans.

God bless all of you with disorders. My heart goes out to you.

My son was just 18 when he became bipolar. He was labeled ADHD in middle school and was always hyper and happy. The depression began when he was 18 along with the suicide attempt. We quickly had to educate ourselves about Bipolar Disorder. He was really trying hard to figure it all out, but unfortunately he was preyed upon by 4 of his "friends'. My family went through the worst time of our lives, because these "friends" took his life. Unfortunately society doesn't always understand. I have several friends at church with bipolar and would have never known they were bipolar. They are leaders who give back to society. I am glad you have a wonderful husband ! You are gifted by God to do so much in your life. Thanks for posting.

Betty, Co-Forum Leader for

It's so terrible that people with Mental Illnesses in all their shapes and forms have to deal with stereotypes and prejudices. To me, it's not different than being born with Diabetes or Muscular Dystrophy or blindness. You can't stop it and like you said, you are doing the best you can with it and lead a normal life most of the time.

That being said, there are many "normal/regular/non-illnessed" people who AREN'T living normal lives and the only difference is that their issues are of their own making/choosing.

Keep your chin up and realize that you can't fix stupid. If people are going to label others, it's their own shortcoming.

Fwiw, my family had a psychiatrist ON RETAINER because we had so many crazy people in the family. I say that in jest (some just wanted the attention) and love because they truly needed help. The therapist has long since died, but I remember him fondly. My mom used to make him candy for my dad and grandmamma to take to him.

lauralyles: Maybe we could help each other *smiling*, I posted a life story this morning requesting bible scriptures. You see my mom suffers with bipolar stigma also. I respect my mom for the loving caring person that she is. I also know that due to her illness it has allowed her to be mistreated by people that feed off of mistreating. I heard something this morning that I do believe to make happiness:

1. surround your self by happy positive people. When you feel negative find a postive person to hang out with.
2. pray about the issue

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