Firstly, I would like to express my condolences to Angela McGee and her family on the tragic death of her son Jason, who, it would appear, has taken his own life due to the affects of bipolar disorder.
Mrs McGee refers to bipolar disorder as an “absolute beast” and I agree. I was diagnosed as bipolar nearly two years ago and, without the support of my husband, family and Community Mental Health Team West, I would not be in the stable position I am.
It has not always been this way and, had I sought help sooner, things would have changed much earlier.
Why did I not seek help sooner? I knew it was my mental health that was the cause of my problems and the stigma worried me.
How often do we read in the papers about some horrendous act and, yes, someone with a mental health problem is at fault?
It is time to campaign, not just about bipolar disorder but all mental health. It is time the stigma is removed so others may learn.
Lisa Watkins
Gorse Lane
Clacton
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