A Depressing Stereotype

Bi-polar responses to bi-polar disorder.

Medical understanding of depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, etc has come far in the last decade. Hysteria and frigid are no longer legit diagnosis for women and neuroscience has shown that feeling sad is distinctly different than clinical depression.

We now understand that autism is a spectrum and down syndrome children don’t need to be locked up institutional homes. We realize that being deaf or blind does not equal inability to learn and live a full life.

Legal protection and societal inclusiveness has made things better but the stigma of mental illness has not overcome discrimination it’s hushed by political correctness.

Still, its ill-advised for those of us with mood disorders and psychiatric conditions to share the reality. People are not supportive or ambivalent they are condescending and quickly disconnect.

Publishing this article, owning the reality of my neurology, is risky.

Campaigns to bring depression into the light and dissolve the negative stigma of mental health have created a more edicated America but the problem isn’t the stigma its the stereotypes.

Ask not what you can do for me. Think of how we will work together as equals.

Don’t assume that a psychiatrist diagnosis means we are less valuable or less capable.

Everyone has strengths and limitations.

Find your Path to Yes and keep moving. Do Something New EveryDay (SNED).

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