Anyone whose had a cold will tell you it’s uncomfortable. There’s a headachy feeling that renders us pale and listless. It comes on the heels of sleepless-can’t-breathe nights that leave our eyes ringed in shadows.
The thing about having a cold, is that everyone understands what ails us. We usually garner some degree of sympathy from those around us. Folks understand that the coughing, sneezing, and snuffling are symptoms. We don’t worry that people will find out we’ve gone to the doctor for help when the cold gets the better of us.
What if we changed the wording in the previous paragraph? Suppose that cold turned to bipolar disorder. Imagine that coughing, sneezing, and snuffling became mood swings, altered judgment, and puzzling behavior. What if we could change the words and the paragraphs still rang true?

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to recognize. Not everyone experiences bipolar disorder symptoms with the same intensity or frequency. There may not a singular obvious and defining “sneeze” that indicates our partner, our friend, our neighbor, or our colleague is affected by bipolar disorder.
Our minds categorize and label all that we see based on “schemata“. It’s the brain’s way of dealing with a constant flow of incoming information. When we witness repeated poor judgment, exaggerated emotional reactions, mood swings, or puzzling behaviours, we file our observances under schema categories like — fool, drama queen, or character defect.
It’s time for intellect to override this antiquated labeling system. Let’s sift that information through a new filter and consider that the judgment, emotional reaction, moods or behaviours could be the result of a medical condition beyond the individual’s control. If we can make that shift in thinking, perhaps we can grow a wider culture of compassion in which individuals and families affected by bipolar disorder can feel supported and understood.

I don’t write about this from a place of experience or expertise, but rather from a place of empathy and reflection.
One thing I can say with certainty, is that bipolar disorder is a family affair — parents, siblings, spouses, partners, and children exercise patience and adaptability throughout their loved one’s journey. It is a pebble tossed on a millpond. The ripples move outward, and opportunities to support and encourage travel past the inner circle of immediate family to the outer rings of friends, acquaintances, colleagues, and even strangers in public places.
To my dear friends who continue to bravely and generously share their story — you’ve led me to sit quietly and think deeply. My love to you!
“ I have a dream that my son, who has lived most of his life with bipolar disorder, will one day live in a nation where he will not be judged by his illness, but rather by the content of his character. I believe that World Bipolar Day will help bring my dream to fruition.” ~ Muffy Walker (Founder and President of International Bipolar Foundation) ~
Click to learn more about The International Society for Bipolar Disorders and World Bipolar Day.
Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you.
April 4, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Reblogged this on …..And The Moon Sees All.
April 5, 2014 at 9:50 am
I share your opinion, that a writer is someone who pays attention to the world. Thank you for sharing my writing with others.
April 5, 2014 at 10:39 am
You’re welcome. I felt it was important to do so. 🙂
I think writers, at least those I know, are a little more hyper-aware of people and the world at large, than those who aren’t writers. Not all, but most.
April 4, 2014 at 1:27 pm
How do you get this information to the average person who isn’t likely to read this post or other circulated information? The ones who listen to the evening news that the “shooter may have been diagnosed as bipolar” or that the mom that tried to drown her kids was depressed. How do you get past the sensationalized characterization these people see? They don’t choose to educate themselves, they let the media educate them but they are the very people that promote the stigmatization and the very people whose mind’s we need to change if progress is going to be made. How?
April 5, 2014 at 10:06 am
Susan, I believe that you’re frustration must be shared by many people. Here are the stats twenty four hours after I published this piece
— 901 people read the article
— 621 people shared it on Facebook
Many people who visit this article will read your comment and reflect. Thank you.
April 4, 2014 at 3:59 pm
I suffer from bipolar and I decided to share my journey via a Facebook post. I was truly touched by the positive response and out flowing of support. More surprisingly it has allowed friends dealing with similar issues to come out and ask for help!!!
The more we talk about it the less stigma there will be attached to disorder
April 5, 2014 at 10:13 am
Bel, thank you so much for sharing. I hope your comment here will nudge someone else to do the same. Take good care.
April 4, 2014 at 7:23 pm
This is absolutely beautiful. I serve students with disabilities at the college level. If I could only get our staff and faculty to have compassion for these students it would be wonderful. We have come far, but have so much farther to go.
April 5, 2014 at 10:29 am
Hello Anna. Are you familiar with “Ability Day” events? I’ve organized one before. It is an interactive carousel event meant to help people understand differing abilities. I’d be happy to share some details if you’re interested.
April 4, 2014 at 9:50 pm
Well written! Hopefully many will read it well to help those of us who need that love and support.
April 5, 2014 at 10:41 am
From your lips to God’s ear, as they say. Have you heard of Clara Hughes? I’m forwarding this link to an article about her campaign to raise awareness. Actions like this will do a lot to keep the conversation going. http://www.cbc.ca/sports/clara-hughes-begins-big-ride-to-promote-mental-health-1.2572781
April 5, 2014 at 5:36 am
that was wonderful! I’m having a tough time with my sister who just doesn’t get it that it’s not really “me” when i used to have bad judgement calls on life.
April 5, 2014 at 10:59 am
I’m so moved by your comment. Even in the brevity of your comment, I can feel the hurt. Hopefully, as dialogues about mental wellness continue, she’ll come across some information that causes her to reframe those earlier events. Hope always remains.
April 5, 2014 at 10:18 pm
I have this dissorder, and isn´t eassy to share it with people you don´t know. Neither with those who you know. Thanks for this article!
April 7, 2014 at 6:50 am
You are so welcome and I thank you, in return, for sharing your comment. A lot of people will connect to what you’ve said.
April 22, 2014 at 9:53 pm
I have an “invisible illness” so can very much relate to anyone with an illness that is misunderstood or ignored. A lovely, thoughtful article, thank you.