by Vickie Hoyt

Created on: April 20, 2008   Last Updated: August 05, 2008

Bipolar Greatness

I am tired of the stigma put upon the disorder of being bipolar. I refuse to be ashamed of it any longer. In fact, I am proud of it. Yes, it is a mental illness. Does it mean we are crazy? I suppose. But, words, like "crazy", "nuts", and "whacko" are mean and uncalled for. Names and labels do count. And, they do hurt. We are not defined by our disorder, or at least, we should not be. It is only a part of who we are. Most of us are regular human beings, carrying on regular lives, with the help of medication. There may be times when we have episodes of depression or mania (When the meds didn't help). But, we are no different than someone who has a medical condition, and is no longer in remission. I prefer to start calling it a condition from now on, instead of a disorder.

According to my observations, those with bipolar condition, are fortunate in some ways. Do not misunderstand me. The depression can be unbearable, horrendous, unexplainable. The mania can be so out of control, one is out of control with reality, and then must come back. None of this is particularly pleasant, but we are intense, unique. Others, who are not afraid to get to know us, find us to be a trip, a hoot. They love us. When we love or care, we do it wholeheartedly. When we express ourselves in any way, we do it with a passion.

There are and have been many great people who have or have had bipolar condition. They have left their mark upon the world. Among them are Abraham Lincoln, Ernest Hemingway, Sir Isaac Newton, Robert Lowell, Jack London, Sylvia Plath, George Patton, Patti Duke, Robin Williams Brittany Spears, and many more.

There were also monstrous tyrants with the condition. Hitler, Napoleon, and Stalin. They were certainly intense. They were driven. And, they certainly left their mark upon the world. The world has been changed in many ways because of bipolar condition. I think this shows people with the condition, are individuals, all with his/her unique and fascinating personality.

I implore those with the condition to be proud of who you are. I'd be willing to bet you are creative, artistic, and a very interesting person. I also implore those without the condition to drop the stigmas. We are just people, like you. Get to know us. You'll be glad you did. If you are a person who lives with or loves someone with the condition, God bless you. Life can not always be easy for you. But, I know your life is not dull, by any means.

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