Mental Health – what is it? Not sure really, but it covers a multitude of situations. I had never come across Bipolar disorder until I watched the characters of Stacey & Jean Slater in EastEnders who have the condition. I have ‘Googled' Bipolar and hope that I can understand a little of what it is all about.

So where is this all going I hear you say? Well, I think it's all in the title of my blog.

Having read the blogs and the comments therein, the common thread appears to be that a lot of the time, because other people cannot 'see' anything wrong with you, they are not able to understand or even accept what is happening. Someone hasn't lost a limb or nor do they have a plaster or bandage, so come on you are fine! If only.

I don't always find it easy to talk about or show my feelings. I'm afraid of being shouted down or even ridiculed. I'll start with where I live. It is a rural community – lovely countryside and plenty of good walks. I tend to walk on my own – don't necessarily want someone 'jabbering' on about all and sundry. 

The people are a mixed bunch. Some good, some bad – I find that I tend to keep away from certain people, and will go out of my way to avoid them. My immediate neighbours being one of these. One person thinks that because I live on my own, and as a result of a conversation that I had with him about enjoying an occasional beer, that I have a stock of beer and will do anything to avoid putting the empties out! Thanks. If I have to go out to get my car out, I will try and avoid going out at the same time as these annoying people. You know, maybe they are the ones with the problem and not me?

I think sometimes that a sense of paranoia can arise and therefore make the problem worse than it is – one can imagine all sorts of scenarios. Is it me or am I missing something? Would be interested to know what you think. 

Viv

A Moodscope member