THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 10, 1997 TAG: 9702080002
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 31 lines
In reference to the Jan. 26 article, ``Joneses both diagnosed with bipolar disorder'':
As one of many in the Hampton Roads area who suffer from bipolar disorder, I was both shocked and deeply upset by the manner in which individuals with this illness were portrayed. Articles such as this only serve to stigmatize those of us who already are struggling to cope with the symptoms produced by this disorder. One of my friends with bipolar disorder stated that articles of this kind will only discourage individuals in need of treatment from obtaining the help they desperately need due to fear of losing employment, being ostracized within the community or losing family support due to being stigmatized and feared.
I have yet to meet bipolar-afflicted individuals who were harmful to others. Even though my illness has been severe, I can honestly state, along with my psychiatrist and therapist, that neither am I a danger to others or a potential murderer and yet that is the impression that articles such as this one promote. Statistics bear out that people suffering from this disorder are far more likely to be self-destructive than a danger to others.
Many persons with bipolar disorder and proper treatment lead very productive and satisfying lives. Regrettably, this article gives a very different impression.
DEBRA ROSS
Virginia Beach, Jan. 27, 1997