well its a very private question for some but mental illness in many countries is a much more accepted topic of conversation these days. Alot of the stigma and stereotypes have been broken down as the health industry and general community learns more about these diseases With improvement in medicine and knowledge means better management of mental health issues so its not like all people with mental illness go to a mental institution. Back to bipolar - i read alot of people dont even know they are or get diagnosed late in their life so its not always life altering. This is simplifying it but bipolar is like a bit like having semi permanent depression which makes you very up and down in mood and personality with not much in between but not as extreme as split personalites or schizophrenia. Maybe their is levels of bipolar? like depression? There are going to be highs and lows bcos of the condition but as long as its actively managed and the person who has it does their best to get the right help then being biploar does not mean being able to live life any different to normal. If people are patient and understanding without treating them like they are insane or disabled then it will go a long way to the person feeling feeling more comfortable that they can live with the condition People can learn and teach themselves how to be around being people with mental illness if they really want to
Remember this: 25% of the population will suffer from some form of mental illness in their lives. Look around the room. Sadly though, the stigma can have a greater negative impact on a person, rather than the underlying illness. It's time we all educated ourselves and live as one. http://www.mind.org.uk/ GOD BLESS x