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Bipolar Disorder Stigma?
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Default Bipolar Disorder Stigma? - 11-30-2009, 12:11 AM

Is there a negative social stigma attached to someone with bipolar disorder? Would you view someone differently or avoid them in any way if they told you they were bipolar? Will it be harder to attain a job if that is on the application? Would you marry someone with this disorder?
   
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Default 12-05-2009, 12:11 AM

Unfortunately, many mental illnesses carry with them a pretty severe stigma in society. Much of that is due to the fact that people are unlearned and unaware about the actual illnesses. We learn (incorrectly) a lot from television, movies, etc. that people with bipolar are "crazy" and will do crazy things. So, we avoid them at all costs or we prejudge them based on ignorance. However, the reality is that there are millions of people with bipolar disorder that lead productive lives without anyone knowing the wiser. I am a little biased in that I work with clients who have bipolar disorder and a number of other disorder. So, no, I do not view them differently or judge them based on having it. It is much more common than many realize and someone you know directly or indirectly may have it.

Bipolar disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild and even moderate forms of this disorder may manifest symptoms that are unobservable to the average person at work, school, etc. However, a spouse or partner with someone with bipolar disorder will no doubt be affected by the symptoms. This makes it a sometimes difficult, up and down relationship (but not always). It would have to be a personal choice for someone to marry another person with bipolar disorder, but isn't that true with marrying anyone (let's say, someone who already has kids or who has a bad temper or who is lazy, etc...i think you get where I am going with this. Would I marry someone with bipolar disorder? Sure, as long as I loved the person enough to understand that there may be occasional difficulties with which I would deal (in sickness and in health, right?). Although, that decision may also be influenced on whether or not the person was medicated and properly treated.

Finally, you would never have to disclose that you have bipolar disorder on a job application. Law prohibits employers from even asking that question. The only reason one may disclose the disorder is if they are requesting reasonable accommodations for this disability per the American's with Disabilities Act. Otherwise, it is private and protected health information which is no ones business but your own.
   
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Default 12-06-2009, 12:11 AM

As someone who has bipolar disorder, I have found that there is a negative stigma against people like myself who have the illness. It's certainly not everyone, but many people out there do not even really understand what bipolar disorder is, so it is easy for them to believe false, negative stereotypes out there about the illness. Once, when a guy I was talking to found out that I have bipolar disorder, he asked me if that meant I ever, and I quote, "went crazy and ran out of rooms screaming sometimes." He was serious. I have also had medical "professionals" (I use that word loosely) make rude comments regarding my mental health disorder. Of course for every ignorant, rude person I have met, I have also met at least 10 intelligent, tolerant people who do not stigmatize me for my illness. But there are always rotten eggs out there.

I do not know why you would put it anywhere on a job application that you have bipolar disorder. Employers are not allowed to ask you about your medical records, so unless you have a job that specifically requires you to disclose your mental health status (such as certain jobs in the mental health field, medicine, the military, etc.) you should never have to disclose that on an application or during an interview. I'm sure it would be harder to get a job if you told your potential employer that you have bipolar disorder, because there is always some degree of discrimination even when it's outlawed, but there is no reason those people should ever know about your illness to begin with.

I would marry someone with bipolar disorder. It would be unbelievably hypocritical of me to say I wouldn't, considering I have the disorder myself. If I love someone and they happen to have bipolar disorder, it doesn't matter as long as they are actively taking steps to treat and control their illness. If they will not take care of themselves, though, then they cannot possibly take care of me and I cannot begin to help them if they won't help themselves. I have had to end a relationship before because the person had untreated bipolar disorder, and I could not be with him anymore if he was not going to take care of himself.

Hope that answers your questions!
   
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Default 12-11-2009, 12:11 AM

I was diagnosed bipolar 5 years ago and then re diagnosed added and PTSD last year. My friends knew then that I was bipolar..none thought different of me..most didn't even care! I myself have no problems with a bipolar person. everyone has mood swings and whatnot just some have them so bad that they are debilitating or causing them trouble in their lives and choose medication. no one needs to know you are bipolar or that you take melds also. that's up to you to decide.
   
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