Stigma of Bipolar Disorder

Woman shares struggle with bipolar during rally at Michigan Capitol focusing on mental illness

(May 25, 2007) -- Mary Lou Davis thought life was over as she knew it when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder more than a decade ago.

Family and friends treated her as an outcast, the Stanton woman said, and it was the lowest point in her life.

Nearly 12 years later, she says she is at peace with her illness as she stood on the state Capitol lawn.

She was one of 1,400 people at a rally held Thursday to raise awareness for mental illness.

"I've been through a lot of struggles. I have had my share of rough days," said Davis, who reconciled with her family last year and is working on her master's degree at the University of Michigan. "But I am dealing with it."

In Michigan, one in five adults will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their life, according to health officials.

Davis said the symptoms of her condition, also known as manic-depressive illness, were present even as a child.

"I always had a lot of energy and I didn't need much sleep," she said. "Who knows how many people out there have what I have and don't know it."

The illness causes unusual shifts in mood and energy. Other signs of bipolar disorder include extreme irritability, poor judgment and unrealistic belief in one's abilities and powers.

Warren Sakshaug of Grand Rapids also knows the battles of mental illness. He runs a group home for "developmentally delayed" children.

"It can happen to anyone," he said. "I am just here to help raise awareness. ... My kids deserve having a shot at a good life. All kids with a mental illness do."

The Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards, which is comprised of 46 health boards around the state, sponsored the event.

"Mental health coverage should be treated the same as physical health coverage," said Emily Gerkin Palsrok, who helped organize the rally for the board.

"If you have a cyst on your brain, health insurance would cover that. But a lot of mental illnesses aren't covered."

Source: Lansing State Journal

By: Tom Lambert
Source: Lansing State Journal

Last updated: 05/07

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