I don't look or sound 'sick'

Talking to others about bipolar isn't difficult. I find that the more I share, the easier it gets to discuss. Now, that isn't a massive revelation. Mental health professionals told me the same thing at the beginning of my therapy. I wasn't ready then. I needed the confidence that came with time.

Often when the subject comes up, and I tell someone about my disorder, they're quite surprised. I think there's still that stigma of a drooling, catatonic human, which is far from what they see when they look at me. I look normal, the same as others, And when I talk about the symptoms, or the medications, or anything else associated with bipolar, I don't sound 'sick'.

But they don't always see me during those rough times. Others aren't here when I struggle to find a positive in the day, or when I spend the day in bed, or when I cry for no apparent reason.

The good side and the dark side. Always there.