First things first. I need to clarify that MY personal struggles in no way represent all people with Bipolar 2 disorder. We are each unique, and our experiences are unique. So, just keep that in mind.

With all the recent news coverage of Catherine Zeta-Jones lately, I have been infuriated with the response from the media. Bipolar 2 does not mean someone is crazy. It does not mean they can’t work and live productive lives.

I have been wanting to talk about my struggles with Bipolar 2, because, while it does not control my life, it is a very big part of my personality that I want people in my life to know about. When you understand me and when you understand Bipolar 2, we can learn how to support one another.

It’s extremely scary to come out and talk about a piece of yourself that no one understands. Bipolar and mental disorders are so misunderstood in our society. I don’t want to be associated with someone in a straight jacket, but alas, the majority of society believes that of people with mental disorders.

I assume that announcing to the world that you are Bipolar is a bit like coming out. One will face stigma, backlash, possible professional repercussions, etc. Thanks to Catherine Zeta-Jones, we are talking about it…but is what they are saying necessarily true? Who knows.

This is a slow coming out of myself. No pictures. No names. Just the words and feelings of someone with Bipolar 2…me.

The first thing that came to my mind when I heard about Catherine Zeta-Jones? “Me, too, Catherine. Me, too.”