Tags
Affordable Health Care Act, bipolar blog, bipolar blogger, education, explaining bipolar, health care law, stigma
About 2 weeks ago I told someone I had bipolar disorder. The response I received was ‘But you seem so intelligent’.
????
Okay. I replied that bipolar disorder has nothing to do with intelligence but is in fact a mood disorder and is classified as a mental illness. A couple of questions followed from others in the room and I answered them all to the best of my ability. I explained that I am, in fact, quite intelligent but I have memory problems due to my medications. In fact, I explained quite a lot of things.
But, here’s the thing. Those of us with bipolar disorder are automatically tasked with explaining it. We hate the stigma. But the stigma exists because of the lack of understanding in the “normal” population. And if we don’t explain it, than who will? No one. There is no one else in a better position to explain bipolar disorder then those of us who suffer with it. Of course, that’s ridiculously unfair, because many of us have trouble just making it through the day. But, it doesn’t matter that it’s unfair. It is what it is.
I have “come out” a lot recently. I’ve decided that I don’t care what someone thinks of me because of my bipolar. If they can’t see past it, then that’s their problem. Of course, the co-dependency that exists in many of us makes it incredibly difficult to let someone walk away from us because of our disease. And, of course, it’s ridiculously unfair for someone to do that. But, I’ve come to realize that it’s a risk, and it’s possible that I will lose people in my life because of it.
So far, so good.
The person who exclaimed that he couldn’t believe it because I seemed so intelligent listened patiently as I explained the broader strokes of bipolar. And, I’m happy to say that he is not only still in my life, but now has a much better understanding of my condition then he did the day he found out about it.
A lot of the reason that I have decided to speak out about my bipolar is because of the new proposed health care laws. If you haven’t been keeping up, this is the time to start. Medicaid recipients stand to lose all mental health benefits if their states ask the Federal Government for a waiver of the “Essential Health Benefits“. In poor states, like mine, that waiver will almost surely be asked for and granted.
Now, the Senate is working on their own bill, and we don’t really know what it’s going to say yet. But, I began speaking out for fear of those on Medicaid who are mentally ill. I have spoken at rallies, I have spoken to the press. And I will continue to do so. I’m outing myself publicly to protect those less fortunate than I am. And, ultimately, to protect myself from hostile stigma that’s sure to be coming my way.
Educate those around you. If you have the ability, educate your Members of Congress.
Stigma will never go away until those of us with the power to explain the illness actually start standing up and doing so, no matter the cost to personal relationships. It’s not easy, it’s often extremely difficult.
But it’s so very very important.
Love and Peace to you all.
morgueticiaatoms said:
Depressive defeatist that I am, I assume everything I read concerning health care, and especially, mental health care, being cut…is a done deal. And the powers that be aren’t exactly proving me wrong, just premature. My secondary coverage is Medicaid and primary is Medicare and *they* want to sever it all. I am eating a brain away from walking dead territory AND society wants me to feel bad for speaking out about it because, hey, people on disability aren’t working or paying taxes…
We might as well be dead. Easier to write us off than help us, esp, when the med resistant never truly recover.
Love my country but fear my government. Never understood why my dad had that bumper sticker til now.
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Leslie said:
The more we organize, the more we talk, the more we make others understand, the better chance we’ll have. It’s definitely not a done deal. I know that you have it worse than I do, and that it’s harder for you. Plus you’re raising a kid on top of it all. But, I’m fighting for you Morgue. ❤
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morgueticiaatoms said:
It’s not a contest, we all have it bad in our own ways. Raising a kid while imbalanced is tough, but I’ve been a spouse with no income to help contribute or a limited income and that is a hell of its own.
We’re all in the same boat that’s taking on water, some just have oars and are closer to shore. Sucks the same. ❤
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Leslie said:
It does. It really does. I know you have a harder situation than I do, but we’re all going through the same crap in our brains.
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jennymarie4 said:
Thanks so much for sharing and speaking out. It helps break down the stigma by helping people better understand mental illness. It’s hard to talk about sometimes, especially when you really don’t feel like explaining. It’s great that you’re speaking out! It will help.
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Leslie said:
I sure hope so! We all have to speak out in our own ways, even if it’s just to our family and friends.
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manyofus1980 said:
I think its great you are choosing to put yourself out there to raise awareness and be a voice for others who might not have the confidence to do it. cudos to you girl. xxx
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Leslie said:
Thank you so much!
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Alexa said:
I relate so much. As a woman with bipolar disorder I can’t stand it when I “come out” to people and they think that that means I’m angry, then sad, then happy. As if I’m just a crazy ball of emotions when it’s not like that at all. Please feel free to check out my personal mental health blog shatterinsanity.blog
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Leslie said:
I will thanks!
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lynnab said:
“But the stigma exists because of the lack of understanding in the “normal” population. And if we don’t explain it, than who will? No one.”
Bravo! I feel the ape act same way. Whether it be through a blog or outing ourselves to those we know or working with organizations such as NAMI. It has to be done.
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Leslie said:
Agreed! Thank you so much for the compliment and stopping by to read and comment.
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