In the past 12 years, I have learned a lot from bipolar disorder, mostly, what not to do. I’m working on the “how to do it right” part.
At this point, I have quite a few tips on how to fail with bipolar disorder. From medication to therapy to relationships, this is a comprehensive guide.
Hope you enjoy.
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Well done and spot on. I’m definitely sharing this with people.
I have certainly done all of these. Trying to get better about it now, but it took me until I was 31.
It started great but fell into the great stereotype trap. Everything people already assume bipolars are. I expected the information paired with non-stigmatized explanations. Something to explain that this is not a portrait of bipolar. Most people don’t display but a few of these symptoms. Together? It is the stigma we fight.
Michele I totally agree with you. We do not do anyone any favors by overgeneralizing the possible symptoms. Not every Bipolar diagnosed individual uses alcohol or drugs to excess, acts promiscuously or attempts suicide.
These were my personal tips on how to fail, from my own experience. It’s unfortunate that some are seeing it as an overgeneralization of symptoms. Many of these symptoms do happen to bipolar individuals, and my advice on how to fail is especially for them. There’s also some cynicism/sarcasm to the post. Thanks for reading!
Most of this is solid, but “get outraged when people ask if you’ve taken your medicine”?
I’ve been asked that too many times just because I got angry at someone for a perfectly valid reason. I cannot take someone’s perspective seriously when they ask me something like that.
Okay that was funny, but on a serious note who can afford therapy at $100.00 a pop and that’s if you can find a therapist. Come on now 6 years of higher education ain’t that bad especially when there’s no math or science involed. There’s no math & science in Psychology right? Or what a lot of couselors are called BCSW followed by there name. There no math or science in the curriculum of BCSW? Right? Can you tell I really hate math & sciences. I’m what they call a People Person. Twenty-Nine years ago I got a BCPP. I am a Board Certified People Person. I never made money as a BCPP but I keep trying. Desiree Cart Dugas (living, laughing, and lots of crying with Bi Polar for 27 years)
You’re saying the therapists/counselors charge too much. Yeah, they aint “real shrinks”, but expect to get paid the same. Not fair. We need more budget counselors.
Cathy, I agree with you and Desiree. I am actually seeing a therapist who is giving me a deal at $30 per hour session. That is a STEAL. I couldn’t afford therapy without it. I don’t have insurance. I’m very lucky for what I have. So I definitely understand where you ladies are coming from.
Another:
Become absolutely outraged if anyone ever suggests that *any* of your behavior might possibly be due to or influenced by your illness. After all, you have the world’s only symptom-less illness.
At the same time, reserve the right to blame any of your own behavior on your illness and demand perfect understanding and forgiveness. After all, you have a serious illness that affects your behavior.