Posted by Gracie2 on May 30, 2002, at 16:59:14
In reply to I saw that movie!, posted by Penny on May 29, 2002, at 10:43:43
Glad someone agrees with me! My bipolar disorder went untreated for years and, these days, I can't believe I didn't recognize the symptoms myself. Sometimes I really went over the edge, especially when I drank, and usually I would take it out on my husband. Can't believe he's still around.
Anyway, at my worst, I was paranoid, hysterical, and suicidal. I slept very little, went on buying sprees I couldn't afford and barely remembered when the bills rolled in. I didn't go on medication until I was hospitalized.
But hallucinations - no. Attacking people - no. I was dangerous to no one but myself. (Not to say that I didn't make life hard on others.)
I guess I am figuring that, untreated, I was as bad as anyone could get. Of course that may not be true, but I still think they went way overboard in that movie. And, like I said, it really bothered me because what kind of message is this movie giving to the public, to our family and friends and neighbors and employers?
Protesting the cost of insurance rates because of medication and treatment for the mentally ill somehow implies that the illness is our fault. My God, who would choose to be this way?
Ah well, I guess we should be greatful that we don't live in times where the mentally ill were locked away and forgotten or burned as witches.
-Gracie
poster:Gracie2
thread:24808
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020523/msgs/24888.html