
Dear Unnamed,
It’s been a year since I have been diagnosed. The past year through my struggling, my recovery and my new found strength, you have struggled to understand me and what I am going through. This is me trying. This is me telling you what I wish you understood about my mental illness.

1. I wish you understood that Bipolar Disorder is not something I have made up to excuse my bad decisions.
Bipolar Disorder is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health as “a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.”
Top Comments
I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 in 2008, fast forward to now after 6 years of chaos, destruction medication and the like i'm finally in recovery. Every day is hard but nothing like what it used to be. Looking after myself holistically and getting off the meds was the best decision I made.
www.missyrobinson.com.au
11. I wish people understood that trying to say and do all the 'right' and 'supportive' things then abruptly withdrawing support when I don't 'get better' just makes everything worse. And makes me feel like jamming a pencil in your eyeball,