This case http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2009/10/1_shot_1_stabbe.html is not the typical bipolar situation, but it gets in the news. Do you see any headlines saying bipolar patient successfully melding into society, gainfully employed, and in a positive relationship? Of course not because that doesn't get ratings. It is extremely important to keep in mind that there are many out there that are able to maintain themselves with medication, therapy, and a positive loving and supportive environment.
What holds many people back is that there is a stigma towards those of with a mental illness. If we were born with diabetes, cancer, birth defect like a missing limb no one would fault us. However, since mental illnesses have so much stigma people born with it are looked upon as untouchables. This starts a vicious cycle. Mental illnesses are exacerbated by stress which can be increased by trying to keep secret a perceived deficiency. Keeping the secret leads to that stress and/or causing one to not to seek proper medical treatment.
What needs to be understood here is that in your lifetime you will likely have a mental illness or be in close contact with someone that does. We need to get to the point where we can accept everyone with any disability including having mental health issues. Otherwise what will continue to happen is that all that most people will hear about mental illness will be these wild stories and rather the real people like myself who struggle every day with their disorder.
Susan Biddlecomb pointed me at your blog because of a post I just posted at mine. She thought it was rather coincidental.
ReplyDeleteFeel free to go read. I generally write about politics but the most recent post was about my personal struggle with bipolar disorder.
Rob