Bipolar Stigma; One Step Forward Two Steps Back

"The academic and artistic culture of universities would be greatly diminished if there is a broad "sweep-out" of those perceived to be mentally ill. We should make sure this doesn't happen."
Brenda Tso writes in her article Don't Push Away Mentally Ill on Campus

I am always pushing for the reduction of the stigma surrounding mental illness. It may be my error to think that we have made progress. What I infer from this article is that universities have regressed when it comes to social acceptance of mental illness. This is something that began prior to the horrifying Virgina Tech massacre. Read the article to learn the extremes that are being taken against those that are mentally ill.

With statistics like one in four Americans diagnosed with a mental illness, the number requires more mental health support. There are too many people that are not seeking the help they need. The response to the health problem the universities are making for anyone, let alone a huge number of the population, are insufficient.

There is a quote in this article from a politician, Rep. Garnet Coleman, D-Houston who is open about his mental illness. I can only hope those voices in important places like his, and those of the entertainment industry like Patty Duke and Carrie Fisher, will continue to speak and unveil the misconceptions.

I can only hope.


tags
[Bipolar Disorder]
[Bipolar Stigma]

Life Changing Medications

I suppose I can not judge those who discriminate against mental illness and physical illness when they they have never experienced the mind changing symptoms of an illness like Bipolar Disorder.

To experience the relief of such symptoms from a source like medication is a life changing experience. It did not happen over night. Honestly, it was years of work. But this was a combination of med changes and learning skills, tools, and dedicating myself to wellness.

Those who erroneously believe that such medications are not necessary or more harmful than beneficial most likely have not lived a life of uncontrollable mind changing...I say mind because I believe mood is an understatement. Or perhaps never felt the relief as I have, life changing.


tags
[Bipolar Disorder]
[Bipolar Medication]
[Bipolar Moods]

High Functioning Bipolars

Australian Researchers Make Great Leap in Understanding Bipolar Disorder

The above link is a great transcript from an Australian broadcast on even more Bipolar research coming out from Australia.

The best part is this quote from the concluding statement:

GIN MALHI: Now treatment for bipolar disorder is very sophisticated and the majority of people are very high functioning and I think this is another misconception about bipolar disorder, that it's an illness, which leads to decline in functioning.

In fact, many people with bipolar disorder are higher functioning than most, and achieve a lot in their life, and very creative people, excellent business people, excellent minds.


tags
[Bipolar Disorder]
[Bipolar Research]
[High Functioning Bipolar]

Routines

The Rhythm of Your Life

I first heard about routines in my early days of diagnosis. I sort of dismissed the idea. Recently, I have realized I have a rhythm to my life now. I now see how a routine helps keep my life in order. I think I dismissed the idea originally because I thought it could not apply to someone who does not work regularly and has the element of chaos with children.

It is the personal rhythm of my life that matters most, to maintain my health. As life continues I must find a way to keep my own self at peace. This is priority above all else. First this, then the rest can come.

For me, this means personal time. I find my rhythm in time with myself either reading, writing, or simply quietly contemplating. Without this, my routine is disrupted and it is harder to stay healthy.

Others find that they must work in an office to maintain their rhythm, some need a form of exercise or mediation. Whatever it may be, if we have something that is consistent, it makes it easier to go there in the hardest moments...when we need to most.



tags
[Bipolar Disorder]
[Bipolar Symptoms]