Comments
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Posted by Stevo 10:58 am, 17 Mar 2010 Reply
Well said Jade. If it's our collective job to create increased awareness around mental distress and to encourage help-seeking behaviours.......then this looks like something of a success to me. People are talking. That's a good thing.
I reckon the 'celebrity' thing is a bit of a red herring. For some people the lure of the spotlight justifies whatever shameless self-aggrandising will get them in it. If we all just turned our backs and ignored them, they might just go away. -
Posted by Sarah 11:28 am, 17 Mar 2010 Reply
if the treatments weren't so dangerous it would probably be a good thing that many people can relate to [what are after all] emotional experiences that are common to us all - from a destig perspective great - but the psycotropic drugs cause many harms and complications so people may be placing themselves in harms way by seeking medical help.
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Posted by Bryan 2:24 pm, 17 Mar 2010 Reply
Having been recently diagnosed with bipolar at the age of 47 after an episode of mania that cost me my marriage, my home, my job and a normal fatherly relationship with my son I can attest there is nothing sexy about bipolar. I detest that it is the sexy disease for celebs to have. No doubt when you are wealthy and can afford minders it is fine. When you are an average person and your life is radically disrupted it is not at all appealing.
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Posted by Cerys 11:39 pm, 11 May 2010 Reply
The fact that people are talking about it - great!!! But like the last person said, having dragged myself thru many manic and depressive episodes by the skin of my teeth, I fail to see how anybody can think that it is "cool" or "desirable" to have this illness. Bipolar is not a faze or lifestyle choice, it is not a excuse for bad behaviour and random acts like these celebs are performing. It puts strain on relationships, finances, work etc etc. It is not something I would have chosen for me or my family.
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Posted by Deena 11:28 am, 13 Sep 2010 Reply
There is nothing 'sexy' about bipolar disorder. I've lost my job, self confidence & many so called friends. Everybody is tired of me & I'm tired of myself. After nearly doubling in size & developing severe acne from medications, I'm a shell of my former self. My partner has had enough; he just doesn't understand why I can't 'get over it' & is just about ready to throw in the towel. I can't even begin to imagine how traumatised my daughter is from seeing her mother weeping in a pile on the floor for hours at a time or literally shaking from the effort of suppressing rage so incendiary it would set the house alight if released. I've been turned by banks & insurance companies so many times, I despair of ever having a 'normal' life. Bipolar disorder has made me a non person, a nothing that should not be seen or heard. Sexy? Hardly. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. I want my life back.
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Posted by Russell Tuffery 3:46 pm, 14 Sep 2010 Reply
Dear Deena
Please contact us at the Resource Centre, Mental Health Foundation, email info@mentalhealth.org.nz, or ph 09 300 7030, we can help -
Posted by Celia 9:47 pm, 29 Nov 2010 Reply
Kia Ora all - Just hang in there - and find what works FOR YOU. At 50+, I am finally coming to the realisation that Bipolar does not say sweet all about me - I just live with it, and roll with it. Imagine having a "physical" illness, imagine having anything other than what you've got. There is a lot worse. (Will someone remind me I said this when I 'roll'??)
I've lost plenty, and I've gained some.
I am still alive - and that's a surprise!!
Believe that you have a lot to offer, regardless.
