Some people really hate the bipolars. Bipolar disorder evokes ire in many. I’ve had people refuse to see me for no other reason than I am bipolar. Bipolar seems to make you grow another head, or tentacles, or something.
But that is not the worst part. Not by far. No, the really bad bit is why people hate people with bipolar disorder so much. Among the other accusations, I’ve seen: we’re liars, we cheat, we manipulate and we’re violent and angry. These particular myths along with three others are in Seven Biggest Myths About Bipolar Disorder.
People Show Prejudice Against Bipolar Disorder
The thing is, the people who make these accusations, like everyone with a prejudice, is simply showing ignorance and a lack of rationality. It doesn’t matter what group of people you hate, you’re always showing ignorance and a lack of rationality. It’s terribly unimpressive.
What generally happens is that a person has a bad experience with one person, who is bipolar, and then generalizes to all of bipolar-kind and possibly mental-illness-kind. And they blame every problem on the bipolar. It isn’t fair. It isn’t right. In fact, it’s stupid. Sorry, it just is.
But there it is, my little poke back at the prejudice. I hope it makes someone think.
Like that? Well you’ll love another Top Ten Psychiatric and Bipolar Myths.
If I try DBT, will let you know how it goes. Have a nice day.
Hi Anon,
Thanks.
Have you tried CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)? It has some evidence to work in bipolar disorder and mood disorders in general: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_behavioral_therapy
As for DBT, it is similar to CBT and it was designed to treat boarderline personality disorder. This isn't to say it couldn't treat other disorders, there just isn't evidence at this time. It is gaining in popularity, so if you have the opportunity to do it, it can't hurt.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialectical_behavioral_therapy
Good luck. If you feel like checking in and letting us know how it works for you, that would be great.
– N
Another great entry. I was wondering if you know if Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is an effective treatment for Bipolar Disorder? Nothing else has worked.