The Stigma of Bipolar - From the inside...out..

Are bipolar people and what society calls 'normal people', are they really that different? When I look at the definition of 'normal' is it 'conforming to a standard, usual, typical or expected'. What is the standard and who set the standard? If you look at the behaviour of Bipolar people, your first thought is - eeeh this person must be crazy. So naturally the human species just like any other species on this earth, the normal person tends to reject the Bipolar person , because we don't fit into your version of normal. There are so many people suffering with bipolar, so don't we kind of make our own norm, where our behaviour is the usual, typical and expected.

You know the saying "don't judge me, you have not walked a mile in my shoes". A saying you will hear from a 'normal person', now if a bipolar person says the exact same sentence, we get a harsh response. Let me give you some examples: "you are over reacting", " its not that bad, get on with it", "You are lazy, you making excuses", and the list can go on...

Now Im not saying that bipolar people have bigger problems compared to normal people. NO , to each individual, all shapes and sizes, Bipolar or not, each person deserves to be treated with dignity. Unfortunately society creates a stigma around Bipolar, leaving bipolar sufferers ashamed and terrified to admit they need help, or if they have been diagnosed they would rather live in denial of the fact that they have a mental illness, all because of the "crazy" factor.

Don't you think thats sad, leaving them to literally 'suffer in silence'.

When a normal person is unhappy about a situation they voice their opinion no matter what, no regard for consequences
Now let it be the exact same situation, when the bipolar person displays their opinion - the are analyzed under a microscope and punished for their reactions. This behaviour a normal person will display towards a bp sufferer, is a complete disregard for the bp persons experience, which then leaves a longer lasting negative impact.

A bp person doesn't have the privilege of controlling their emotions, to a normal person that sounds odd, I know. Besides the average day where we have triggers, then there are also moments where you feel this fire in the pit of your stomach, a feeling of rage/ anger, and you have no idea why, what, you think to yourself but wait , nothing triggered me right now, but all of a sudden you experience this larger than life emotion with in yourself.

Just as in life how we all go through obstacles, when you are going through a tough time , wouldn't you want to be treated with understanding and compassion? Im sure you would, its natural... its not a extravagant request.. its actually very simple, doesn't cost you anything.

So, why when you hear pb do you treat us differently, don't we also qualify for understanding and compassion.
So now you are probably in denial, you haven't treated a bp person less than.
The biggest reason for the stigma around mental health in general, is the fact that majority of society are unwilling to educate themselves, because it is easier to go about your own business. Or maybe you don't know it exists, Or question is it a real illness, now thats the common question.

Today we have amazing technology, years of research, stats, data, you name it, Life is forever changing and medically changing for the better. We can't deny that we learn something new each day, if you don't think so then you are not paying attention.
Why not dabble a lil' in a different pond, allow yourself to be educated, don't be afraid to learn, maybe you learn you too have bp, and it is OK, dosen't mean you are crazy.

The most important thing is to get help, don't suffer in silence. I know its a dark lonely road, and you didn't even know it was happening to you. You definitely shouldn't go through it alone.

My main goal is to raise awareness and to educate society. As a society we should help those who need it. Identifying pb with in the youth gives them a greater opportunity to live a healthy life, don't wait till its too late.

Get help, a support system is very important. Don't feel ashamed to reach out for help, and most importantly I would say that society is responsible to help someone in need. This is an illness that can not be beaten alone.

Help or get Help....