On the radio this morning, a psychologist was trying to explain the different kinds of bipolar disorder and what can be done about them. There’s a fairly well-known sax player who just came out as bipolar. There was a fundraiser for his medical expenses. I don’t know what the deal is with Catherine Zeta-Jones, but I guess she’s come out, too.
What’s going to happen? Will people learn that those of use with bipolar can be only mildly abnormal instead of scary sick? Or will that image of scary crazy still be the image everyone thinks of when they hear “bipolar.”
Do we have to go to all the movie producers and monitor them for how they refer to mental illness, like women’s movement folks do, or gay advocates do?
Bipolar disorder is a highly lethal condition. One day you might be ok, and then a few days later you might find yourself in a depression where you decide to kill yourself. It’s especially disappointing for someone who has been out of it for so long. On the other hand, knowing you can come out of it is powerful knowledge.
I suppose one strategy is to put up poster children—bipolar folks who are managing their disorder just fine. I think it takes great bravery to do that. You put a lot of pressure on yourself to stay well forever. If you get sick just once, people will see that and stop believing you can care for yourself. Plus there will be people who point and stare, anyway.