Almost everyone with bipolar disorder (or any other mental illness, for that matter) must face the decision at some point of whether or not to disclose their condition to people that they are professionally involved with. Though I had not intended to reveal my diagnosis to anyone at my new place of employment, a unique set of circumstances fell into place today which strongly favoured sharing it with one of my new coworkers.
As I was riding along to lunch with S. (an extremely chatty and lovable individual), she began to talk about her health issues and then those of her husband. With regard to the latter, I sensed some hesitation before she came out and stated that he is bipolar, since as most of us know (as she started to discuss in his defense even prior to stating his diagnosis) there is such tremendous stigma surrounding any brain-related disorder. I told her that I am bipolar as well, and the instant relief that it seemed to bring to her upon hearing my personal admission...and thus that I more than understand his condition...was fantastic. The conversation ended with me giving her the phone number to the local psychiatric center so that her husband can make an appointment (like me, S. and her family just moved here recently so that she could work for the company). I cannot help but smile knowing that this is the most comfortable disclosure that I have ever made.
As I was riding along to lunch with S. (an extremely chatty and lovable individual), she began to talk about her health issues and then those of her husband. With regard to the latter, I sensed some hesitation before she came out and stated that he is bipolar, since as most of us know (as she started to discuss in his defense even prior to stating his diagnosis) there is such tremendous stigma surrounding any brain-related disorder. I told her that I am bipolar as well, and the instant relief that it seemed to bring to her upon hearing my personal admission...and thus that I more than understand his condition...was fantastic. The conversation ended with me giving her the phone number to the local psychiatric center so that her husband can make an appointment (like me, S. and her family just moved here recently so that she could work for the company). I cannot help but smile knowing that this is the most comfortable disclosure that I have ever made.
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