Bipolar Spouse

[undefeated]

Gardener, I must respectfully disagree. I do appreciate your rational acceptance view of our chemical imbalance, but it isn't the common view. In many minds we are still lumped with schizophrenics and the criminally insane. And you're correct - it is a matter of ignorance. But it is hard to educate a mind that prefers the prejudice. There is still a stigma.

No matter how wonderfully our meds work, we still occasionally have uncontrollable emotions. It is a fact of life, frequently for women on their cycle (sorry for the TMI guys).

I encourage anyone who wants more information and possibly a means of spreading the information to check out this website:

www.nationalbipolarfoundation.org

You can buy a pin to show your support or just read up on the disorder. There is supposed to be a link dedicated to testimonials soon. A way to connect with others, both the bipolar and those living with someone who is.

Oh, and Serenity, question for you. Did you go off your meds with or without consulting you mental care professional? Sometimes, Gardener, we are asked to go off them to see if we have learned to cope without them or if the disorder has taken a turn for the better and our dosage can, at least, be reduced. This is especially true of types I and II which are mild and moderate bipolar conditions respectively. My IC has suggested that as I near 30 we consider trying it so I don't have

To be told you may have to take mood altering drugs the rest of your life because you can't function as a "normal" human being is a horrible blow to anyone..."

It has been said that most of the most creative personalities in the world suffer from some sort of mental illness and that the two are possibly linked. Many people feel they have to choose between sanity and their "gift". LOL, that has nothing to do with the rest of this discussion, just an odd bit of random trivia. I have lots of those!