When people mention others they know with problematic behavior, and then mention that person has bipolar. I've just been knee-jerk reacting with "So do I."

It seems to be dispelling some prejudice. I was diagnosed at 9, so I typically have my bipolar pretty together (I mean I like candy and hate exercise, but aside from that).

I work at a hotel and tonight the police came due to a domestic violence situation (he broke something big in the hotel room, didn't touch her thank god).

After he left, I was talking with her to make sure she was safe, and she mentioned that in addition to being an alcoholic, he had bipolar. Said he played the "crazy card" a lot.

When she mentioned he had bipolar, once again I very calmly said "so do I."

In this case, we had a pretty good conversation. And she seemed pretty happy when I told her that among people who manage their bipolar, playing the crazy card, not taking your meds, and being a dick to others because your manic- is very much NOT accepted in any way.

It seemed to help, and I kind of (hope I'm right here) got the feeling that she felt better knowing that even we don't take that shit.

BTW, playing the crazy card was apparently him *literally* saying he was crazy as a way to get out of things.

I told her this can be managed if you take your meds, and get pretty strict about drugs and alcohol- AND your sleep schedule!

I think it may help for them to know that those of us who manage and maintain, DO NOT take this shit.