Trust me, you are probably passing mentally ill people everyday, bipolar people included, and they look like everybody else.
We are not monsters. We have an illness that you can’t see, so you most likely don’t understand it. Of course at any given time, there are bipolar people experiencing mania or depression. Some are in the hospital in treatment, and others are going about their daily lives in treatment.
If you saw me at gym pool, or in your local Walmart, you would just consider me part of the background and that’s just the way I want it.
Inside I may be anxious, over thinking or depressed, but if I feel I am unable to keep that out of the public eye, I will stay home. You won’t see me.
And I think most people who suffer mental illness are the same. We want to blend into the woodwork, to be considered and given the same worth as the next one, not thought to be “strange” as you say.
I, for one, don’t think I am strange. I am a regular person. I might have to work a little harder to go about my daily life, that’s all.
I don’t think enough people understand how important this line is. Mental health problems are not always going to be a full stop for everyone. There are a lot of people who live with these issues and are still able to live productive and fulfilling lives, it’s just that it requires more effort from them to make it happen.
Others can look at someone living with a mental health condition and think that everything is okay, but have zero understanding of the effort needed to be okay. Things like being more mindful of your triggers, energy levels, or symptoms. Lifestyle changes that certain problems might need, like changing your social circles, diet, or environment.
There needs to be more work done for someone living with a mental health condition to be okay as opposed to someone who does not have a mental health condition. And this needs, not only to be understood, but respected.
As we head into the new year, I hope that @DaintyLady17 is continuing to do the work to be okay. But remember that part of the work is also recognizing when to ask for help form the people around you.
