To support the troops during World War II, women “fought the stigma!” Let’s fight against the stigma of Mental Illness!
“Man that biznitch is crazy… she must be bipolar!” (Usually followed by obnoxious laughter.)
I see that in Tweets and on Facebook all the time! The BEST was when a date actually said to me, “Aren’t all women Bipolar?” This was in response to my honest admission of my illness. It made me realize two things: 1) Twenty six is way too young for me and 2) I HATE THE STEREOTYPES AND THE STIGMA ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL ILLNESS! Let’s spread this news: Bipolar Disorder is a debilitating disease that there is no cure for! It is not a cute way to say “moody!”
Let me give some very quick facts… Currently 5.7 MILLION people suffer from Bipolar Disorder (5% of the population). Keep in mind that it is VERY difficult to diagnose and that many people will NEVER receive a correct diagnosis. Of those diagnosed, 20% will ultimately commit suicide. That’s1.14 MILLION people that WILL COMMIT SUICIDE!
Tell me that people would stop making it out to be a joke if they knew that! Would they? If that doesn’t resonate in their pathetic little brains, what will?
Let’s try this… immediately ask them if they also joke about minorities… be specific (it’ll sting more – muhahahahaha). Don’t let them down easy. Ask them if they also like to make fun of perhaps blacks or Hispanics. Keep pressing… do they like gay jokes? (I say we keep pressing until they stammer.) Then say, “If the mentally ill are a minority you like to laugh at, why not others?”
I honestly think they might think twice next time they call someone “Bipolar!” Yes, you might have been so hardcore they think, “Wow this person is nowhere near as Bipolar as that one that went off on me about it that time was!” Ha-ha-ha!
To that thought I say, “Whoo Hooo!” If my outspoken tirade changes one mind… if one more person thinks twice… if one person stops stigmatizing…I HAVE CHANGED THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER!!!
FIGHT THE STIGMA!!!
Genius And Insanity 