if you do a little digging. I've done that a few times and turned up these interesting facts:

People who have mental illnesses are more likely to be a victim of a violent crime than those who don't.

Women who have mental illnesses are more likely to be raped than women who don't.

People who have mental illnesses are more likely to be robbed than people who don't.

People who have mental illnesses are more likely to be homeless than people who don't.

People who have mental illnesses are more likely to be unemployed than people who don't.

People who have mental illnesses have a shorter life spans on average.

Look around. You might be surprised.

I wanted to say that it's good to see you posting here again. I think it was you who first did the research I talk about in my first post in this thread.

Also, in regard to your current post, my folks had the same kind of reaction about me when I was first diagnosed. Not that they rejected me, but they were saying, "No, you aren't like those people." Well, that's true in the respect that I am me and there is only one me on the planet. And you are the one and only you. But we are still in the same boat as all of the other people with mental illnesses, no matter the other stuff that makes up who we are.

Hey, Dennis. HereSince has a Ph.D. Hey, HS. Dennis has two bachelor degrees. I'm currently working on my first degree, but I'm getting 'A's in my junior year.

Well, I guess it's possible. I've heard of many artists producing great work in the throes of a mood disorder.

But I think you're just one smart guy. In my expert opinion, you having acquired a Ph.D is not symptom of your illness, but I can see how the skills you learned getting it could make you more resistant to treatment. What if you are smarter and/or better educated than your therapist? I can see how that might get in the way of successful treatment.

It doesn't seem like mental health professionals should be in the business of telling people they are hopeless. "We just don't have the talent and ability to help you," sounds like a more plausible explanation.

Your post was excellent and I lol'ed at the last sentence.

I am bipolar II and my daughter is bipolar I with psychoses. She is 13 years old and does not want anyone to know. I am 42 years old, and most people do not know. I am not quite sure how to get her to accept herself as she is, when I cannot do it myself.

I worry about the stigma attached to MI more for her sake than for mine, especially with her teachers at school. She has a long way to go towards stability, and deals with a more severe illness than I do. M husband and I are currently debating whether we talk to the school, at least the nurse and a counselor. If for no other reason than to list her medications in case of a medical emergency.

I have read some of your posts here and in the Lounge. I am not much of a poster, but I am encouraged by others experiences. I think you are brave with how you are dealing with MI.

I truly believe that anyone that actually survives living with a MI must be a strong and brave person. Those without MI, either themselves or a loved one, cannot understand.