Hmm..now why on Earth would I write about what not to say to someone with bipolar? The answer is quite simple. I have a bipolar diagnosis. I have bipolar type 2, which is bipolar with primary periods of hypomania. I decided to seek help when I started to seriously hate life. School was not going my way. I had no idea what I wanted out of life. I hated my job. Life was always a constant meltdown. While my bipolar is much more managed that it was six months ago, there are certain things that simply should not be said to someone with bipolar. Here are 3 things you should not say to someone who is bipolar:
1. Did you take your meds?
While this question can be asked with good intentions, most often it is not. This question is often asked in a sarcastic and condescending tone. The few people who I am close with who have ever asked me if I "took my meds" often ask me why I am in a bad mood, sad, angry, or any negative emotion that I am feeling at the time. Sometimes I can come off as "snippy" and "short-fused with people". Sometimes I can be snippy and short for justified reasons and sometimes unjustified reasons. I am not perfect or better than anyone else. Just because I have a mental illness does not give anyone the right to throw in my face that I take meds. My message to those that want to inquire about someones mental illness is this: exercise this question with caution.
2. Oh, so you're crazy?
Nope. Don't even ask. This question just says trouble all over it. This question does not only apply to those with bipolar, but with other mental illnesses as well. I had a good upbringing and a minimally damaged past. I am not a sad kid or a broken case. I'm moody. That's it! I get upset a bit more than I should, I get emotional over the littlest things, and I am a bit stressed more than I should be. My mind functioning a bit differently than others does not make me crazy.
3.You don't need meds, It's all about "Big Pharma"
Everyone fights some sort of hidden battle behind closed doors. Some choose Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, otherwise known as "Talk Therapy", to handle their illness. My initial visit of speaking with a Psychologist was interesting. I never even fathomed to come out with a bipolar diagnosis, however it makes sense. In my case, bipolar has a genetic factor, which played a role in my diagnosis. I am skeptical about medication, but I am giving it a try. Many people say "big pharma creates customers, not cures". While this may be true, big pharma also saves lives and keeps people going.
