Why is it that society has the need to label everything? We label race, sex, sexual orientation, mental health and....the list goes on and on. I however, wish to discuss the labels on those of us who live with a mental illness.
I have Bipolar, I however, am NOT Bipolar. I am me, the daughter of a wonderful woman whom gave me life some 30yrs ago. I am a wife, mother, full-time student and housekeeper who happens to have Bipolar.
I am finding more and more people who like to label themselves and others. I have a friend whom has just recently claimed a diagnosis of Bipolar. Do I believe this person has Bipolar? Not on your life! Why does this person want this label? To use as an excuse for their abhorrent behaviour and outright selfishness.
How do I know this person does not have Bipolar? I have known this person long enough and have been all too aware of their interest in my illness. When someone randomly starts asking questions about drug names I take etc, my suspicions are piqued.
Furthermore, when one finds out that this person has spent an incredible amount of time Dr Googling all about Bipolar, alarm bells sound. This person has gone through all of the 'signs of Bipolar' and rattled them off to a Dr whom they have only seen for the first time and rather alarmingly, prescribed Bipolar medications.
This disturbs me hugely. Bipolar is not something that can be diagnosed by one visit to a GP. Normal GP's will NOT prescribe Bipolar meds. GP's will prescribe AD's but not the anti-psychotics etc. Which, brings me to another interesting point, the GP hasn't even prescribed AD's.......
The mind boggles as to why people like to label themselves. For the most part, atleast in this case, I believe that it is attention seeking behaviour and trying to find excuses for lazy, selfish behaviour. This person it would seem, will do anything NOT to work. My prediction? Within the coming month, this person will be not working and claiming sickness benefits from Centrelink!
People like that give me the irits something shocking!
Ok, rant over.
About Me
- beach.chick
- I am an everyday woman, struggling with mental illness. I had a mental breakdown back in 2006 and it was at this time I was finally, formally diagnosed with BiPolar Disorder. It had long been suspected but, with a Psychology background, I was very good at 'passing' the doctor/psychologist/psychiatrist's phsych tests. Why? Because I knew there was 'something' wrong but, remained in denial where I felt safe. This is the very first time that I have written about my life and the reason that I have decided to start blogging is; to educate the ignorant and offer support and courage to the weak. Mental illness is a dirty word in society mainly, in my opinion, due to ignorance which breeds judgement.