Treat people with Bi-polar Disorder with respect, and don't be afraid of them.
First of all, do not automatically dismiss the person as unstable.
People believe that those with Bipolar illness can start behaving erratically with no warning. This is not the case. In general, people with Bi-polar function normally with no debilitating symptoms for long periods of time.
For example, my manic symptoms-- the times when I'm hyperactive, hyperverbal, impulsive, reckless, etc.âonly surface about every five years or so.
Medication plays an important role in ensuring these symptoms are controlled.
People from all walks of life are effected.
Something most people don't realize is that there are many professional people, doctors, lawyers, accountants, scientists, even celebrities, who have Bi-polar Disorder.
The point is, we aren't all mental patients who belong in institutions. We are rational, responsible, capable people.
Don't be afraid of us.
Take a few minutes to read about the illness if there is someone in your life that has this disorder. Ignorance is at the root of all the discrimination against all people with any mental illness.
I was recently fired from my job once I became ill and had to take a medical leave of absence. This was due to unwarranted fears on the part of my employer. Although I had almost four years of employment there of dependable service, the attitude toward me changed once I was considered a âcrazy person.
I was fired for a minor infraction, without any counselings or warnings and this was used as a pretext to discriminate against me.
If managers there had received some education about it, they would not have had the ungrounded fears that led to my dismissal.
Do not stigmatize the mentally ill.
It is fine to admit it when our bodies become ill, but not our minds. The truth is, the body and mind function as a unit, and we are all susceptible to mental iillness--depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive thought--from time to time.
Mentally ill people are human beings who need treatment, compassion and understanding. We are not dangerous lunatics who should be kept locked up in hospitals or prisons.
Next Steps
consult any psychiatrist