What people say

 

Sometimes it bugs me what people say about those who have bipolar disorder.  I am in a college psych class, and you would think people would be educated about the topic but they really are not.  Some people in my class say the most judgemental things about those with mental illnesses.  Even my instructor says things that are extremely biased.  She will say things like talking to the seriously mentally ill is like talking to "someone from Mars" and "they are not like us."  It bugs me so bad I just want to scream.  I want to tell them what I have just to show them how normal people with bipolar disorder can be.  However, I don't exactly want to out myself to a class of students I don't really know.  I know these people don't mean to be insulting to me, but it is hard not to internalize it.

Hi Jade,

I'm totally with you. I've had a bit of this where I work -- statements like "if so-and-so's depression is interfering with their study, they shouldn't be at university" (I lecture at a uni and have had depression for as long as I can remember -- plus the person who said this *knew* about my depression -- I was really mad about it). Well, it's one thing if ignorant students are saying this, but if the instructor is saying stuff along these lines too, then I fully believe something should be said -- and it shouldn't be up to you to face up to your class with a "confession". Can you talk to your college counsellor and raise the issue of sensitivity? -- especially since this is in a psych class!!

Truth is, I sometimes find talking to "normal" people is like talking to aliens -- particularly those who are closed-minded about mental health and dismissive of its sufferers. In fact, even though it's my ex and not me who has the bipolar (I'm just a unipolar depression gal!), I feel more at home on this board than I do in most places -- certainly a lot more so than I did when I was on a board for people dealing with significant others who had depression (now that really *did* feel alien -- so much judgement!).

Just remember all the talent that bp is associated with. -- For all the bad, it's also got a reputation for being a condition suffered by some of the most brilliant minds there have been. -- And one day you'll leave all those non-bipolars for dust -- that'll teach 'em!!! :)

Rosie x

hey, jade and everyone.

jade, people will demonize any minority in order to inflate their egos.  i've been around biggots who were badmouthing jews - until i told them that i was jewish.  and nobody is perfect - something about glass houses and stones?).  i've had people upbrade me for smoking until i ask them how much they drink.  red faces.  neither is "good" for you, but it may be those imperfections that bring us closer to the devine.  like a trrue perrsian carpet had one imperfect thread because allah (god) is the only perfection.

should you bring this bigotry to anybody's attention?  your decision.  it depends upon how strong your own ego is in handling other's imperfections.

wishing you the best,

warren

I think BiPolar people have a higher incidence of high intelligence.
Certainly looking at famous people with it; there's a lot of intelligent people out there.

I like to think we're all so intelligent that we're just on a slightly different plane of thinking to everyone else :-P
It's not our fault they can't keep up with us!

I am a 56 year old mother of a 36 year old daughter and 35 year old son.  My daughter is definitely bipolar.  Everyone who knows her knows this.  She is very successful in her career, but miserable about 98% of the time.  My son is not successful in his career and lives at home because he can't follow through on his life.  I can't figure out how you get someone else to get the help they need.  I would love to see my daughter happy.  And, I would love to see my son have the life he deserves.  Any ideas?  Thanks.

stigmas are cultural and societal.  in western society, for example, there is a stigma attached to homosexuality.  in muslem countries this stigma does not exist.  in ancient greece and rome, this stigma did not exist.  hence, "platonic love."  julius ceasar, by most accounts, was gay and was probably having a thing with brutus (hence "the unkindist cut of all."

in most christian dominated societies there is a stigma with mental health.  this stems from the myth (this is the sociological use of this term, having nothing to do with veracity) of jesus casting out demons.  accoording to tradition, deviant bahavior if "of the deval."  (nice to know that all of us on this board have something else in common ).  and mental health issues, such as bp, schizophrenia, depression, etc are caused by the individual being possessed by demons or the devel himself.  (now we  can all go to our g/f, b/f/, spouce, etc. and say "the devil made me do it."  )

in some native american societies (tribes), mental illness was thought to be a sign that the person wa touched by the gods and was, therefore, special to them.  some musslem cultues share the same belief.

yes, we all have a lot of educating to do.  just don't expect it to be easy.  beliefs and prejudices die slowly and painfully.  ignorance can be infinite.

warren

Hi Jade

Here is a strategy I use when faced with a situation such as your class. First off, I never, never tell anyone that I am bipolar. There is no advantage to me to let them know. But instead I use the wonderful plan callled, "the stupid question." Works great in court, and many other situations. For example, when told by the instructor that we are from Mars, ask, "How so?" Then follow with, "How does that make them different?" At first the instructor will try to answer your questions, but as you go on he (or she) will become unconfortable. His next move may be to apologize, or compliment your intelligence. Thank him for that, but continue the line of questioning. Keep on going with these stupid, but leading, questions until you have the instructor backed into a corner and 99% of the time the instructor will go on the attack on you personally. At that point, you have him. Next question would be, "I don't understand, why do my questions in an attempt to learn your point make me a......?" Continue on with leading questions about his response. His frustration will become evident, as will his arrogance. Great fun.

Give it a try!

Cap