more than an illness

This is World Bipolar Day and I have already heard the question, “Why do they need their own day?” a few times today.  The answer is quite simple, really:  To spread awareness of Bipolar disorder.  Most people have heard the terms Bipolar or manic-depressive but, unless you or someone you know has it, you probably are not aware of what it is exactly.  Even when you have been exposed to or suffer from Bipolar disorder, it can be difficult to understand.  People tend to fear what they do not understand.

Unfortunately, the media has only served to increase the stigma attached to mental illness.  I cringe every time something terrible happens and the media rushes to report that the perpetrator was Bipolar or had some other mental disorder.  While such information may be pertinent since a person’s mental state does play a role in his or her actions, it also feeds into the stereotype that everyone who suffers from mental illness is dangerous and should be feared.

That is simply not true.

I’m pretty open-minded but I’m certainly not perfect.  I have fallen into the trap of believing stereotypes from time to time.  In fact, before I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, I also held the general public’s view of the illness.  I didn’t know much about it and I didn’t think I knew anyone that had it. My preconception seemed justified when I met “Maggie,” a Bipolar character played by Sally Field, on the TV series ER.

Follow these links to watch some of Maggie’s shenanigans:  Abby and Maggie, You’re My Daughter! (language), Top of the World (montage) and What If (montage)

Maggie was fun, flirty and excitable.  She was also often irritable, angry and irrational.  Her quick temper was sparked by the slightest trigger, and you never really knew when she would go off the deep end.  Even the viewers felt as though we were walking on eggshells.  Maggie personified the Bipolar stereotype – she was every imaginable symptom packed into one person.  When I was given a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder, I immediately thought of Maggie.  I do not behave like Maggie! There is no way I am bipolar!  It was not until I researched and learned more about the disorder that I was able to shed the stereotype that had taken root in my mind.  Over time I stopped fearing all the Maggies out there,  I understood that their illness did not define them any more than it defined me.

Was Maggie’s character an accurate depiction of Bipolar disorder?  Well, yes and no.  There are people who suffer from severe, rapidly changing episodes – and there are also people who do not.  There are people who are in denial, refusing to seek help or take medication – and there are people who seek help and are diligent about maintaining their treatment regimen.  There are violent people out there who have not learned to control their anger and impulses – and there are others who might be the kindest people you will ever meet.   So yes, there are people out there who suffer like Maggie… but there are also many others who are not like Maggie!

While those with Bipolar do share some of the same symptoms, experiences and behaviors, you must understand that this is not a one-size-fits-all illness.  There are differing levels of severity and relapse rates.  People respond differently to triggers, medication, and therapy.  Some are truly unable to care for themselves while others hold successful careers, have families, and achieve high levels of education.  Some people relapse regularly while others enjoy lengthy periods of recovery.

There is so much more to us than our illness.  You will probably agree that no one can (or should) label and define you by the behavior or actions of other people.  You are your own person and to judge you based on a stereotype is usually inaccurate and unfair.  Similarly, one Bipolar person does not represent every Bipolar person.  Just like you, we have our own unique quirks and personalities, likes and dislikes, and hopes and dreams.  We hail from different backgrounds, histories and families.  We have different goals, experiences, perspectives, opportunities, failures and successes.  We represent different races, ages, genders, religions, languages, social status, and financial status.

We are not our illness.  We are people just like you.

Do you realize that there is an estimated 5.5 million people in the United States alone who has some form of Bipolar disorder?  Think about that for just a moment…  You probably know someone who has Bipolar and you don’t even realize it.  You are around these people every day.  It could be a colleague, your pastor, a close friend, your neighbor, or a family member and you may have no idea that they have an illness.  How do you feel about Bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses?  Would your perception change if you discover that a loved one has Bipolar?  Would it change who they are in your eyes …or would it change who you are?

Not everyone with a mental illness is frightening or dangerous and the only way to dispel that stereotype is through knowledge and understanding.  Reject the stereotype.  Fight the stigma.

Please visit my Peace of Mind page for additional information and resources for Bipolar and other mental disorders.