Bipolar Support Group

i just thought i'd clear up some confusion about the terms used to define BP as a disorder vs. a disease.

First, yes in society the term can be used interchangedly for BP, but the true defining key for term disorder is that is causes an abnormal or disturbance is usual functioning (the definition can go on). Mnay diseases can be cured. Bipolar cannot. You can die from many diseases, the disorder of BP itself is not a death sentence. BP's have a tendency and higher risk for committing suicide, but the disorder itself does not cause death. BP falls into the category as mental illness (hence the negative stigma) and also qulaifies as a disability which is why we may qualify for disability income; not so with a disease. We with BP disorder also have rights through ADA. Labels, labels, labels. Annoying, yet needed to define and diagnose correctly and to recieve appropriate services.

Post edited by: maMONa, at: 11/08/2008 21:29

i appreciate you offering clarity on this, but does it really make a difference other to the medical community? i've seen the 2 used interchangeably here. you mention rights - is that just in terms of marketing of pharmaceuticals?

No, i mean as in job discrimination.

Cirque, if i get fired for being BP, i can sue my boss' ass; assuming that i was conducting my job correctly. big lawsuits honey. my boss should be scared to fuck with me. lol

Post edited by: maMONa, at: 11/08/2008 21:59

Thanks for clearing that up, maMONa. I didn't understand the difference before. Another connotation for disease is that it can be contagious, right? That might also have something to do with the strict definition.

Even if it's just in the medical world, I guess these particular words help to classify things and in that sense, it helps us discuss things with greater clarity when we need to.

Sorry to sound so damn picky...I got my MS in Sp ED where labela ARE everything. As "stupid" or non-important as they sound, labels do help categorize and allow fo rmany services to be assigned. My son has autism. Another label. But it also qulaifies him later for disability income and certain services he may need.

Post edited by: maMONa, at: 11/08/2008 22:50

Now that I think of it...every member of person with BP should at some or another, access the Americans with Disabilties Act online to view what rights we all have. It is long, but detailed. I myself need to go refresh my memory on some of it...but it sure is good info to have in case you ever need it.

"ignorance is bliss."

Thanks for the tip. That is helpful advice.

Everything you said is so true EVERYTHING. I use FMLA at my work to protect my ass.

Yup! Once you know the ins and outs of what you have, no one can screw with you!