People around bipolars have to make sure bipolars take their medication.” This statement was made recently by the father of a man with bipolar disorder who committed suicide recently (Full Article).

I don’t think society has changed much in its views of folks who have a mental illness. That man’s statement indicates that people with bipolar disorder aren’t PEOPLE but are their DISORDER. He didn’t say anything about people being supportive of the person with bipolar disorder, about treating them like a normal human being who happens to have a nasty disease. Unless a diabetic shows signs of low blood sugar, people aren’t them don’t constantly ask “Did you take your insulin?” Unless it’s a kid, then you ask a lot, depending on the maturity of the kid.

So are folks with mental illness viewed as their illness and not as a person? As an irresponsible kid, really?

When will people learn that mental illness isn’t a character flaw? That it isn’t the fault of the parents? That it can’t just be “snapped out of?” That it is a REAL disease but isn’t what the person is?

Apparently not anytime soon.

Categories: medical adventures