Is Having Bipolar Disorder Really That Bad?

Hey, y'all --

I am in the process of losing my house (don't worry, I have somewhere to go to), and I'm having to deal with the mortgage people. Yesterday, this woman called and became rather rude and cold when I told her I have bipolar disorder (she asked).

You would have thought she would have gone on in the manner she was already, but she seemed so ignorant about bipolar disorder that I just wanted to stop the whole conversation and teach her about the disorder and how to treat people who have it. But I didn't, because she said she knew about the disorder (couldn't tell that!), and then she went on like business as usual.

I guess it was her business to make me anxious and stressed, because if so, she accomplished her purpose.

But her attitude toward me was kind of like, "So what? Having Bipolar Disorder can't really be that bad."

Well, you and I know that it absolutely CAN be that bad! I wouldn't wish this disorder on anyone, but I'm sure if this woman had bipolar disorder, she wouldn't be as easy-going about it.

I know, I know, it's all about the money. That's her job. And I'll grant her that. But I think she might've been just a little nicer to me, and more understanding about my disorder.

I don't go out much, so I don't have a lot of social contact, and it kind of surprised me that there are still people out there who either haven't heard about bipolar disorder or don't know much about it, lumping all of us under a big umbrella that says "mentally ill."

It's a shame that even today we have to deal with the stigma surrounding mental illness in general and bipolar disorder in specific.

People who deal with others as part of their job (like this woman I talked to about my mortgage) should have a better understanding of other people and their problems.

Right now having bipolar disorder really is that bad for me! I'm having to handle the stresses and anxiety that come along with making a major move, and trying to keep myself stable at the same time.

Does it ever make you mad when other people don't seem like your bipolar disorder matters very much (in a negative way)?

Have you come across people who still submit to the fear and stigma associated with mental illness? Have you been treated differently because of it?

Wishing you peace and stability,

Remember God loves you and so do I,
Michele