Dealing with 2 BPs in Public

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-14-2004
Dealing with 2 BPs in Public
2
Thu, 02-03-2005 - 11:15pm

In my class of around 25 students, there are only 5 girls and as fate would have it, my closest girlfriend in my class was also recently dignosed with BP. Naturally we stick together (if not for the BP but for the fact I've known her for many years before hand) and help each other with dealing with our shared little problem.

The biggest difference between the two of us is that where as I generally just shut down and try to avoid contact when I'm in a depressed state but will put on a face if I'm forced to, she has a history of making it known when she's in her depressed state. Today was one of the biggest ones yet and I personally don't know what to do.

First off, I'll put it this way: you get 17 20-something guys in a room with very few females in the mix, you know there's going to be some good discussion on each other's naughty acts with whom with no regard to the few females in their group. Needless to say, my friend and I both have our histories of that kind of discrimination and sometimes hearing about "the ugly fat chick" Mo-P slept with on the weekend can be a massive trigger and for my friend today, that's what set her off and she stormed out because she couldn't take it. When I got back from seeing her to her car, I was bombarded with my class' side of it and how they didn't mean her at all, (and I know they didn't, looking from their side of it and how comfortible I am with them for the most part) and I just couldn't bring it upon me to explain to them about the bipolar and how stuff like that can really set it off. I could only try to tell them how hurtfull some of their comments can be at times for those of us who are overweight and are trying to find a meaningful relationship.

How does everybody here deal with their bipolar in public? I want to know because chances are I'm going to walk in to school tomorrow only to be asked more questions.

Avatar for schitz
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-06-2004
Fri, 02-04-2005 - 12:15am

Depending on my mood I'm either very open or I don't feel the need to say one thing. I think in this case you don't need to justify it. It is enough that the comments were rude - even for a non-bipolar.

Hugs,

Amanda

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-20-2004
Fri, 02-04-2005 - 12:38pm

I second Amanda,

You don't need to explain! The comments were rude if there was ANYONE over weight in the room! The guy's were being insensitive jerks! I think you handled it the right way already.

How I deal with my bp in public? I wear it like a badge but, then again I'm not 20 something. I didn't know until I was about 30. I wish I could be of more help.

Love,

Jamie

Love,