I have bipolar disorder. That was one of the residual effects from a brain injury. When this comes up in conversation, people have the nerve to say, “You don’t look like you have a brain injury or bipolar.” What the hell am I supposed to look like? Should I look like the crazy cat lady from the Simpsons? Should I be drooling on myself? A woman asked me if I was sure! Excuse me! Sure? You don’t question a person when they say they have diabetes. I’m sick of being treated like a liar or like I’m making it up. I couldn’t make up 5 days of being in a coma, 12 days in the ICU, 4 months in cognitive rehabilitation, the amnesia I have, and the learning disabilities.
Having bipolar disorder with anxiety and depression has made me lose multiple jobs. I’m sure that I’ve attempted suicide because I’m tired of dealing with a life I didn’t ask for. I think I’m sure that I’m insulted on a regular basis by people being thoughtless assholes. So, what the f//k am I supposed to look like?
image: John Blower