How do you explain and educate "bipolar" to closeminded people?

I'm 22 years old, been married almost 4 years, have two children and believe I am suffering from being bipolar. we have a history of the disorder in my family along with depression/anxiey, I have all the symptoms along with ocd tendencies that i just cant help, such as picking my lip/eyebrows/eyelashes.. and making lists. I do have intense mood swings. I get angry over the littlest things. My husband and I argue all the time. It seems as though i start the arguements sometimes just because im bored. I guess abrasive is the best word to describe me.. I get depressed sometimes and in that weepy state, have had suicidal thought but then feel guilty for even thinking that way since i have two little girls to think of. it seems as though im in the "manic" phase moreso than the depressive state which i dont really mind. anyway my question is.. how do you educate ignorant people of the disorder? my mother-in law seems to believe its just depression and she says, "everyones depressed"

Don't talk to close minded people. its a waste of your time.

Like my dr said once "no one can understand until they've been there." I can think of nothing truer than that.

I've had Bi polar and BPD for years. I've lost friends and had numerous fights because of it. most people don't get it, and just think it can be cured by 'opening the blinds' or getting more sleep. I try explaining it once, then I don't bother if the person doesn't get it.

Your mother in law has no right to dictate the way you handle your self. go get a psych evaluation to test for it before you start saying you have it. IF you get diagnosed with bipolar, THEN start to worry about relaying that information. If your mother in law doesn't want to accept the reality of the chemical imbalance, then that's her problem really. you have no reason to prove yourself to people that don't want the proof. you and your mental health comes before her mental wiring.

You could visit with a counselor or LCSW and have them test you for bipolar & depression. Either way, it will be good to have a therapist to talk with about how to function in this world with whatever problem you find that you have.

You don't need your Mother-in-law's approval to declare your condition.

A marriage counselor/couple's counselor would really help to tackle the issues between you and your hubby.

My wife & I went and found it very helpful.
I also am in therapy and really benefit from good advice from my therapist.
Good luck

Hi! I am 33 years old and was diagnosed as BP 4 years ago. I have also had to deal with people saying things like "everyone has mood swings" or "everybody gets depressed sometimes". the people who say things like this have no idea the hell that we live with everyday. It is very upsetting and also, very hard to explain to 'close-minded' people. maybe you should gather ups ome information on Bipolar Disorder and deliver it to you mother-in-law. go to the library, print stuff off of the net....take her with you to your next doctor's appointment. What does your husband have to say about all of this? has he ever talked to his mother about it?
Being so young, being BP, married and the mother of 2 kids is a lot of pressure, and I commend you....Sounds like you are doing a good job to me. Good luck, sweetie!! I know it's tough!!

Okay, if some doesn't want to understand or believe in bipolar, you really can't make them. But I've found the best way to explain it is without being melodramatic and in a matter-of-factly way. Check out the Black Dog Institute's web page on bipolar for easy and up to date information on the illness: (http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/publ…

Next thing, these moods swings are not your fault, you are suffering an illness that causes a chemical imbalance in your brain which alters your mental state, similar to someone being drunk or high, and your behaviour is affected by this. I also have the problem of remembering my actions when I was in a manic episode as if I hadn't been under the influence of the illness, and get feelings of shame and guilt. But you need to remember as I do, these episodes are unpredictable and out of your control, so your not really responsible for your behaviour. Mind that, having bipolar also doesn't mean you can use it as an excuse to be a jerk...

Well, first, i would highly recommend you see a psychiatrist to get a proper diagnosis. If you do indeed suffer from bipolar disorder, it is to your advantage to receive both psychotherapy and medication. Treatment can greatly improve your quality to life. For people who never suffer from depression, they can't full understand the disease. "Depression" is a medical term which is oftentimes misused by lay people. When lay people say, "depression," they really mean to say, "sad" or "upset." Depression is a totally different beast. every person gets sad or upset but not everyone suffers from depression. in the U.S., one-third of Americans will suffer at least one major depressive episode in their lives. currently, the U.S. population is 300 million, which means 100 million people will suffer from the disease. Depressed people hurt themselves or others. in worst cases scenarios, there is a lost of life. that is very serious and much more than being sad or upset. For now, it is best not to try to convince your relatives. If they are close-minded, they have already made up their minds. you can talk to them until you are blue in the face but they are not going to change their minds. its better to take care of yourself and feel better. I can't stress enough how important it is for you to be assessed by a psychiatrist - not a psychologist - to see if you indeed suffer from bipolar disorder and/or OCD. With therapy and medication, your quality of life can greatly improve.

ignore your mother in law and seek the help and support of people who understand what you are going through. i am bi-polar and just found out what all this anger, saddness, mood swings and all the unpleasantness that i have felt for years is, it is hard to understand for those who don't feel the same way (my husband has no idea whatsoever what this is like but after some-more like alot of explaining he kind of gets it now) , get yourself a good therapist (if you don't already have one) that understands bi-polarism, a good psychiatrist and the right medication and trust me, you will feel like a new woman! good luck to you!!

you cannot educate a close mind. Think about what it takes to educate children. their minds are open to new things and reasonings. a closed mind is like a closed fist, nothing gets in and nothing flows out. Get the help YOU need and forget trying to educate people who choose to remain closed. I know i did and i really dont bother my mother in law anymore about how i feel

How do you explain and educate "bipolar" to closeminded people?

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