I would like to find out from fellow "mad hatters" out there how you have been discriminated against, persecuted, or badly treated because people knew of your diagnosis of bipolar condition, or even some other mental illness. I think to openly talk about how we have been marginalized is one way to gain strength when dealing with a harsh (and ignorant) outside world.
To start off, I will share a few of my experiences.
In one of my last teaching jobs, I was called into the office by the Dean and was presented with a personal blog post I had written about my use of Ambien, which is prescribed by my doctor because adequate sleep is one of the ways I manage my bipolar condition. This was during the time that there were all those news stories about Ambien causing people to eat and drive in their sleep, and apparently the dean thought it was some sort of recreational drug. I mentioned that I was having a hard time getting up in the morning because I was adjusting to the Ambien, and she argued that the few numbers of times I had been absent was the result of taking this drug. So, she fired me.
After my daughter died of SIDS, we were investigated by CPS. I disclosed to them that I was bipolar, and because of this, they temporarily banned me from seeing my step-son until the investigation of my daughter's death was over. They also (illegally) told my step-son's mother of my condition, and ever since then when she is jealous or gets mad at my husband and I, she throws the fact that I am bipolar into my face.
When I was getting to know a colleague at a job a few years back socially, I let her know that I was bipolar. She kept asking me questions about my diagnosis, but it wasn't in an empathetic get to know you kind of way, but almost if she was trying to determine if I was safe to be around.
While taking my comprehensive exams for the first time, because of the stress of the experience, I had a manic episode. I failed the exam, and simply explaining that this had happened wasn't enough to get another chance--I had to appeal it and get a lawyer to explain that I needed accomodations for my disorder.
Okay, that's my few experiences--I am sure I can think of more later. Please share--because knowledge really is power!
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Unfortunately I was returning to school and work after 14 years as a stay-at-home mother at the same time that my illness became active and I was diagnosed and medicated. I wish I had gone back to my career as an editor where talent was recognized and I had advanced very quickly.
I was forced to reveal my illness in my very first library job before i even started, two years after my diagnosis. I worked in my hometown, and my mom, who knew everyone after 50 years there, seemed to have told everyone. My psychiatrist has to assure my first and best boss between being hired and starting. I was open about it because I had no choice..
The Nassau Library System is a fishbowl, and I am unique. Even when I decided to stop talking about it, everyone knew. The worst situation is when everyone knows and you don't know they know I am an excellent librarian who never is late, never gets sick, is completely reliable, creative, innovative.Two libraries where I had worked halftime for years never offered me full-time jobs, but instead made empty promises.
Three times I was fired at the very end of my probation period with absolutely no warning and and only excellent evaluations. I have always been told I am an excellent librarian, who works splendidly with teenagers. But I later found I was a favorite gossip topic at library director meetings.
Still, from 1988 to 2001 and again in 2005 I worked mostly half-time, but several years full-time as a librarian. ButI wasted $50,000 on my social work MSW. That is a story for a post of my own. If I had been open on my application to Adelphi School of Social Work, I almost certainly would not have been accepted. Mental health practitioners don't seem to accept wounded healers.
i am anxiety ridden
and my mood was not stable.
but i go on.
with the grace of Gawd,
tomorrow
tomorrow
i will be healed...
..............................
and then ,well,
i'm gonna bring hard judgment down on
people who refuse to understand that madhatters
create the world they live in..
all the madhatters together=a church.
a church of FUN..
a church of Forgiveness for the sin of
being judgmental on yrself
and yr neighbor
signed, Who-zee-what-sis
@james-- I love your perspective, especially the notion of fun; isn't that what separates bipolars from depressives :-) Seriously, I think if we unite as "madhatters" we can define ourselfs and help protect ourselves from being judged.
Sorry, didn't mean to get on my soapbox!
i now weigh 360.
lost all my athleticism.
the System never
told me this could happen.
the system failed me..
gracefully my aunt pays a private dr.
i was diagnosed schizpphrenic at first
and tall the drugs turned me into a 360 lb zombie.
toi this day i am stiilll dealing with the repurcussions of the heavy psychiatiric medications. the most common
fault is overmedication, which causes obesity.
ryan
questions? plenty more answers. pm me..
I have BP type II, which means my mania is not a party; it's just as hellish as the depressions. I was diagnosed in 2000, and it took several years to get reasonably stable, and for the last two, the only real difficulty I have with mood swings is the holiday season. Bah humbug.
While I don't go around with "bipolar" stamped on my forehead, I don't hide it either. I tell people if the conversation goes in that kind of direction or if it is important for them to know (like if I'm in a bad spot and I just need for them to understand or leave me alone). I honestly don't give a s*t what people think. (Good thing for me I have my own business, isn't it? Although there are still some days I want to fire myself.)
The fact is, discrimination exists for anyone who is different. The fact that the mentally ill are not legally protected by anti-discrimination laws and under the ADA provisions is criminal.
Good questions. I'm interested in reading more of the posts here.
@barkinglot4 --I agree that discrimination exists for anyone who is different, but mental illness also faces what I call silent judgment...it is a type of difference that makes people uncomfortable in a different way. We do have some protection with the ADA, but I think the social stigma trumps our legal rights in many ways.
mypsyche--I am glad I am asking interesting questions, and I welcome you to read my posts. I have also found your blog to be interesting :-)
The problem was that they didn't understand or deal with the reality of the illness. Even the best medication can't always prevent episodes and they couldn't deal with those. They never said that was the reason, but it was clear.
I shouldn't have given up after the first firing. I probably should try to build a therapy practice now.