Many insensitive, cruel, ignorant and/or infuriating things have been said to me over the years about my bipolar disorder and mental illness in general. They hurt. They make me angry. They need to be corrected. And I can't seem to forget them, try as I might. My brain holds onto pain. I want to but I can't seem to "forgive and forget," "move on," be "positive" -- all those things we're advised to do. I thought it would help if we had a place to put them out there where people who've heard them too will understand, empathize, offer support -- and share their own experiences.
So I'm starting a new thread on this blog where people can post the worst things
people have said to them in connection with their bipolar or other
mental illness (like borderline personality disorder, depression, self-harm, eating
disorders, etc.) -- or just mental illness in general. Please only post the things said (with background like
who, where, when, context, etc. if you like), but no rants, editorials, extended commentary, etc.. I’m hoping these quotes will stand alone as
indictments of people’s ignorance and insensitivity. Nothing but text
please, and you can post anonymously or give your name or some name, as you choose.
I hope this will be cathartic, self-affirming, anger-resolving,
educational and a strike against stigma.
Get if off your chest and out of your head!
