Many people with Bipolar Disorder struggle with the judgment of society and its fear; for people fear what they don’t understand, and society in general to this day still has such a lack of understanding of mental illness in general and Bipolar Disorder in specific.

Therefore, there is a stigma attached to the label of Bipolar Disorder. So many people who are diagnosed with the disorder are hesitant to tell others they even have Bipolar Disorder for that very reason.

Having to keep such a secret is one of the reasons those with the disorder suffer a low self-esteem. Even if you were to say to them that they have a “treasure” inside them, they would probably laugh in your face in disbelief. But the truth is, if you have Bipolar Disorder, you really do have a treasure inside you.

This may sound difficult to believe, but you do have a treasure. You have something to give to other people that those without Bipolar Disorder cannot give. You have a special understanding – a compassion – toward people with a mental disorder, which others without one just do not have. You know what it’s like to be looked at like you’re “different.” You know how it feels to be labeled. You know how it feels to be shunned.

These things are treasures. Gifts that you can give to others. Remember your first Support Group meeting? Remember how scared you were? How confused? And now think about how far you’ve come since then.

Think about how educated you’ve become about Bipolar Disorder. Think about all those people just beginning in their journey with the disorder. You do have a treasure within you! You do have something to give!

You have something to give newly diagnosed people with Bipolar Disorder. You have your knowledge, your experience, your story, your understanding and your compassion.

You don’t even have to leave your home to be of help to other people with Bipolar Disorder. At the bipolarinnercircle.com/forum, you can add your comments to any number of topics being discussed. You can help others who are struggling with things that you have found ways to overcome. Share your treasure with others, and it will come back to you.