Speak up

When someone mentions bipolar, there is often a negative stigma attached. Yet the disorder shouldn't be considered any worse than a heart or kidney condition. Each has a distinguished set of symptoms to manage. Yet with the right combination of medication, therapy, and counseling, bipolar isn't any different than any other medical issue. They all need professionals to help us, time to learn triggers, and a conscious effort to keep them under control.

But how we react when someone mentions our disorder is an important part as well. I find it difficult to understand why people are embarrassed to talk about their symptoms. We did not ask for this any more than someone asked for cancer or diabetes. Yet people discuss the problems with those medical issues with strangers even.

The disorder doesn't define who we are. The symptoms are not our characteristics or traits. The disorder is a condition we cannot change. But we can change how others perceive it by talking freely about how we feel or how the symptoms affects us.

Speak up. Share with others. You never know who might be struggling in silence.