The Crazy 27% - by way of explanation.

[denem]

As someone who suffers Bi-Polar disorder, which has cost me my career, friends, and generally ruined my life, my earlier post was strictly a joke. Moreover, depression has cost my sister her career in Genetics.

I apologize to anyone offended. No doubt periodic lack of judgment has cost me regard at DU as well.

And I suppose I will get a few "have you taken your meds" responses to my OPs but so be it.

Mental illness is misery. Unlike someone whose lost a leg or an arm: it's an invisible injury, still dismissed and stigmatized.

But like anything else, I try to keep laughing. Self pity is a nasty trap. If you're feeling down, spare a thought for those with PSTD sleeping under freeways.

[BeatleBoot]

1. How about a hug?

:hug:


Happy New Year, denem.

[denem]

2. Hugs back at ya.

:fistbump:

[BeatleBoot]

3. Here comes the old double-double!

:pals:

and another hug

:grouphug:

[Atticus]

4. Peace to you in the New Year. Please keep posting. nt

[lunatica]

5. I have no knowledge of your previous post but

I have very personal knowledge of family inherited illnesses of Depression and Bi-Polar disorders. Some of my ancestors were occasionally put in asylums when they acted out. It makes for very dysfunctional family relationships. I suffered from Depression for years.

It doesn't hurt to make jokes and laugh at life's twists. Sometimes I think the "crazy" people are the ones who have a lot of the answers. They just happen to be way ahead of the curve.

It's OK. I started a thread a couple of years ago about the 27%. I got slapped down mightily. I learned that the outraged are the ones who make the biggest impact.

[denem]

7. It's a crazy world anyway. Like Catch 22, some of the most 'off the wall' stuff

is more than a little true.

[Old Codger]

6. Peace

And as much happiness as you can muster to you and all who suffer the "hidden" maladies. they are no less serious .. "Peace"

[denem]

8. Thank you.

[Autonomy]

9. Now I have to find out what you're talking about!

Anyway, you're not the first person to offer an apology on DU. And considering the most one can do here is post stuff, it would seem that a posted apology should be sufficient for any wrongdoings. Offering a public apology, and actually saying you are wrong, is one of the hardest things to do in life. Very few things can equal the growth inherent in such an action.

[denem]

10. It's on this page.

'The 27% that turn up in poll after poll.'

Prompted by the poll that 27% have a positive view of the last decade.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x105215

[Autonomy]

25. I found it funny

but I understand why it was locked. It's definitely the kind of joke I would make with my friends.

[depakid]

11. Many of the world's greatest artists, musicians, writers, explorers, inventors and scientists

have had bipolar disorders.

In fact, the prevalence of this spectrum of conditions is considerably higher among such individuals than in the general population.

So- you're in some pretty impressive company.

[denem]

12. Yeah - You get this brilliant arc - start to feel normal again

at the very time you are losing touch with reality.

[depakid]

13. That would probably describe Lord Byron- and possibly William Blake

Interestingly enough, an Australian physician, John Cade discovered the first treatment for Bipolar 1- lithium salts.

In an age where the standard treatments for were electroconvulsive therapy and lobotomy, lithium had the distinction of being the first effective medication available to treat a mental condition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Cade

Of course, one can argue that people have been self medicating for millennial- though generally to more detrimental effect, as with Merewether Lewis, Hemingway, or even Winston Churchill.

[denem]

14. Lithium Caronate - A plain on old salt, patent free, has a considerable stigma.

Mention that you're taking it and people take a couple of steps back. Their eyes narrow. Good times.

[Undercurrent]

15. No apology needed by me.

I read your OP, and it did NOT offend me in any way.

I'm also a manic depressive (a term I personally prefer to bi-Polar). My marriages and career were consumed by "the beast". Now, other than my elderly dad whom I care for, I'm living like a hermit out in the woods on SSDI. My family has been riddled with mental illness for generations.

Anyway, I've left plenty of wreckage in my life. If I apologized for all the small stuff I'd be apologizing 24/7 for the rest of my life.

So hey, if you don't mind getting a hug from a total stranger, a hug for you!

[denem]

16. *** hugs too ***

Bipolar fits me in my case. When I'm high, I'm not depressed; Can't imagine the nightmare of a mixed state and I don't want to.

[roguevalley]

17. don't be sad tonight, dedem. Tomorrow is a new decade and there

can be miracles yet. Take care tonight and know you are loved.

RV

[denem]

18. I may not see it, but the nightmare may begin to be over when

POVERTY is recognized as an obscenity, world wide.

[roguevalley]

21. you and me both, sweetie

[ClayZ]

19. Hugs!

K and R


:hug:

[denem]

20. Hugs. Happier new year!

:loveya:

[renate]

22. A friend of mine is bipolar. It's tough. Really, really tough

:hug:

To many people who don't understand mental illness (I'm not pretending I do), it seems like it should be a "snap out of it!" kind of thing. It's not.

[Hekate]

23. I missed your previous post, but I hope 2010 is healthy, happy, and prosperous for you...

See you around. :hug:

Hekate

[proud patriot]

24. Mt Son was Diagnosed with Bipolar

at age 10 . he's almost 14 now and finally stablized .
I wish you well :hi: It can be a struggle .