Everyday, someone gets upset at someone for a change in mood. Often times, those same people aren't even aware that many people suffer from different physical and mental ailments, and sometimes goes unnoticed. You never know. Some people aren't even aware that they suffer from such physical or mental ailments. I was one of those people
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For years, I was oblivious to the fact that I had this "bad attitude," this constant sudden change in mood and behavior. For years, my mother was always concerned about my mood changes because they appeared so severe that at times, that I was not aware of how 'scary' I'd appear. In the words of some people who have been around to experience and witness my sudden "episodes." I always despised my mother's thought of me having any type of "problem."
It is true. Some people just never know. You have cases where people know they're suffering from a particular ailment but refuse to get some sort of counseling or medical help, then there are those cases where people aren't even aware... at all.
I think it's safe to say I was one of those people. I didn't experience a "horrible" childhood but I did have some experiences close to horrible. I am confident enough to say that my mood changes, my change in behavior, this stigma caused me a lot of heartache, broken friendships and relationships, and a strain in my academic focus. One thing I've learned: It is better to recognize it become aware of the risk factors than to not know at all.
My name is Daion Stanford and I suffer from bipolar disorder. I have now for years but just were not aware. I didn't care enough to be aware.
What I have come to notice today, many people label themselves as having bipolar disorder in a cavalier way. It's actually extremely sad because most people who play around and throw the word around aren't even aware of just how dangerous it can get and be. I don't have the best attitude, but I have been working on its transformation for a couple of years now. I must say, I have made the most change this year.
Everyday is a battle when you're dealing with bipolar disorder. It is a battle of the mind. Many people view people who suffer from bipolar disorder as being emotionally weak, but the truth is in itself: Yes, it is a weakness, a weakness that complements our creativity and power beyond the disorder itself.
I'm writing this to bring awareness. All different types of people suffer from different physical and mental ailments every day.
The best way to put into context how the mindset of people suffering from bipolar disorder operates is conveying a message through a traumatic experience. For example, in a vehicular accident involving two occupants inside of the totaled vehicle, one person may have to be rushed in an ambulance due to life-threatening injuries, while the other person may walk away from the accident with just a few minor scratches and bruises. The same goes for a basic conversation. In the midst of a conversation amongst friends, while two friends may interpret and receive the information one way, one friend may interpret and receive the information much differently, in a difficult and challenging manner.
Figuratively on a day-to-day basis, I lack tons of sleep, work long hours every day, and still manage to acquire and maintain peace and positivity in my life. Bipolar disorder is a battle; it causes us to fight with ourselves, our minds, every day. From my experience, through all of the counseling, therapist sessions, arguments, and medication, I've realized the healthiest tool towards "taming the dragon" is meditation and believing in your beliefs.
It's a roller coaster every day dealing with a mental ailment such as bipolar disorder. Happy, sad, angry, calm. It all comes along with it. Being oblivious to the facts can only hurt you in the long run. This disorder doesn't receive the public awareness it deserves so it is my duty to encourage you all to do your research. You may know someone dealing with it every day: a co-worker, a cousin, your great-uncle, your best friend.
Learn the facts to teach the facts.
