Do you think we as a community get caught up in labeling: mine being bipolar with psychotic episodes?

Answers (3) to: "Do you think we as a community get caught up in labeling: mi..."

• amazona09

  
  
  
  I sure do, and not just regarding mental health issues. When I was diagnosed with type II diabetes 8 yrs. ago, suddenly I was not seen as the person I was before; I was now a "diabetic" who everyone thought needed to be treated like an invalid. People who knew were constantly remininding me of my condition and offering little tidbits of advice such as: you can't eat that, you should try to lose weight, did you remember to take your pills? etc. I understood that they were acting out of concern, but I was forced to remind them that I was a grown woman, not to mention a nurse, and that I was completely aware of my condition and how to manage it. I also suffer from depression and OCD, but it would take me an hour to explain how that has changed everyone's perception of me (not that I care) and neither should you.
  

  Answered 4 months ago   |  Report abuse

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• Catherin

  
  
  
  Hi,
  Psychiatric illnesses are usually approached in different ways. One way is to watch for signs and symptoms and compare with the diagnostic data available. Another way is to watch for responses to external conditions and people. Physical examination, obtaining information from other sources, rating scales, mental status examination, psychosocial history, cognitive tests all helps in diagnosing a condition. There is nothing wrong in watching and waiting before marking a person as psychotic as every individual undergoes some type of psychological trauma at some point of time in their lives. Develop positive attitude. You need not think you are getting isolated from normal people as every individual is different from others. Modern psychiatrists are assuming the role of leaders than physicians who believe in talk therapy than medical therapy. Please follow your physician's instructions and do not miss followup visits if warranted. Good luck.
  
  
  

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• JennJ

  
  
  
  Bipolar disorder is an illness not a personality. Don't label yourself! You have bipolar disorder you are not Bipolar. I know it is an issue of symantics but it is different. It is something you have and not something you are! Don't define yourself by your diagnosis. When was the last time you heard someone say "I am Cancer?" Once your medications are right and you have learned to manage the illness, there is no need to tell people unless you want to. You are you and nothing can change that, just manage the illness and be yourself!
  

  Answered 4 months ago   |  Report abuse

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