Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Stigma

Continuation of my story having Bipolar


When I was nineteen years old I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (chronic pain/muscle disorder). At that time, they only recommened an anti-depressant, eating healthy and exercising. Some days were worse then others. The pain was from head to toe. I pushed myself to go to school, engage in sports, work and rest when needed.  I refused to take the anti-depressant, being so young.

At age 28, I just knew something else was just not right with me. I was then diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-NOS(Non OtherwiseSpecified). Also, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At this point I was placed on an anti-depressant which helped cognitively and my anxiety.

Now, being in my late thirties I was diagnosed with Bipolar. I was in such denial that I saw five doctors to see if I could get a different diagnosis then having a Mental Illness. One psychiatrist diagnosed me with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder without the compulsions in 2010. My family did not accept the diagnosis of Bipolar but they seemed thrilled to hear it was OCD. Why would they accept some but not others, especially they both are mental illnesses.
Why is there such a stigma on Bipolar/mental illness? Why would they be so accepting to OCD and not Bipolar? Well three docs out of 1, I am going with Bipolar. Or how about I place all the diagnosis in a hat and choose that way. Before I bacame married my friend suggset I write up my health issues and hand it to my date. Hey, its one way to wean out the bad ones.

As of now, I am not working and when the big question is asked "where do you work?" I use the easiest diaganosis there is "I have fibromyalgia". People are more apt to ask questions about this disorder and accept it. I could never do this with Bipolar. On the flip side I do have supportive friends and family however it is scary telling a new friend.

Education is the key. I wish my family read material based on the different types of mental illnesses and see they all vari.
What do you all think about stigma on mental illness?

©2010M.M.

2 comments:

  1. I think that you should pull it out of a hat. It's more fun that way ;) LOL. You are lucky to be married to a supportive and understanding man. You are an inspiration and truly blessed.

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  2. Tough one. I never thought much about it being a stigma, though I choose not to tell anyone. It's no more of a stigma I get telling people I'm a housewife or a stay-at-home "mom" to 6 dogs. That will really cause people to give a look. Then I get nervous and throw in I'm working on a writing career. Which leads to more stigmas about going to school, etc. So I think it all depends on who you consider important to know your illness. Maybe together we can conquer the myths.

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