Bipolar Stigma

The fact of the matter is, bipolar disorder as well as other forms of mental illness brings about a stigma for those struggling with their disorder. Many will neglect they have a problem or fail to seek help because they do not want to be labeled as crazy, unreliable, unstable or even contagious.

What is it about society that makes people feel this way to the extent that they would go untreated for a serious illness out of fear? As a sufferer of bipolar disorder I can honestly say I've felt these feelings and I've often felt embarrassed to even tell people I am bipolar. It was only recently that I started to lean more towards being more positive and honest about my condition because I figure it might help others to understand they are not facing this beast alone.

 I was reading some emails from a few teenagers that feel they are bipolar but are afraid to tell their parents because of various different reasons. This is a shame because our children should NEVER have to fear coming to us when they need and any parent that doesn't make their children feel like it is safe to confide in them is not doing their job! Sorry to be blunt but I have to be, in order for our children to be safe we must care about how they feel and must show that we care enough to LISTEN. Just listen...

I encourage all parents to talk to their children frequently, not necessarily about serious issues but just talk and listen and build that bridge of communication. Build a strong relationship with your child so that they know when something is wrong or they're not feeling right they can say something to you without being judged or yelled at or even "brushed off". Show a child just one time that you don't have the time and it could be the last time you ever hear from them or speak to them. It hurts me to see and hear stories of kids committing suicide when there is supposed to be support for all of our kids.

Joey Dangerously,