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Is it a bad idea for a bipolar person to have a Facebook account?
As many of you know I own and run a very popular Facebook mums group and if you’re a mum or mum to be you really need to join as you’re missing out on all the fun and support a mother needs.
I do struggle at times with my moods and especially, like now, when my medication has yet been changed and I have to start over, but I do have 3 admins who run the group for me during the times I am busy or not up to it.
I stay well clear of Facebook when my moods are switching and the mums on my group can easily guess when I am manic.
I have seen a few mothers on the group who are friends with others who like me have bipolar or some form of mental health issue and they have become worried at times, from watching the constant changing status of depression to highs.
Is it a bad idea for a bipolar person to have a Facebook account? I don’t think so; we need support and friends just as much as anybody but it’s about control and if you cannot control what you’re writing then no, close your account or stay clear of it.
One mum contacted me after viewing a friend’s status that read – “Standing on the balcony I think I may fly.” She was terrified as any of us would be and the only advice I could give to her was to phone 999 and give them this guy’s address. She did just that. I do not know the outcome.
My own bipolar moods do reflect the way I think and behave and my Facebook account would also show what mood I am in. I have a close connection with my admins and I am able to say – you need to take over. My husband too would remind me not to go online when I am ill.
It can cause upset, embarrassment and you are left feeling guilty and ashamed when you come back to reality with a bang to see what an outcry you have caused. It’s just not worth it.
Control it or delete it.
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About The Real Supermum
Why shouldn’t they ? It’s discrimination ! I have many friends on my facebook who are not bipolar and their status’s do my head in the most. Constantly changing, whinging about anything and everything. A bright happy post is something of a miracle. The fact that you have bipolar and are on facebook, not just you, yourself Emma but anyone with this condition. You mood being reflected on facebook could quite possibly save your life, take the post in your blog for example. Had she not seen it or taken notice. Her friend could quite easily of harmed himself. You are an ordinary person with feelings just like everyone else hunni. Xxx
I don’t think its a bad idea for anyone with any mental illness to be on Facebook. Many people don’t have much support in real life, but can find people who understand through social media sites. During the tough times in life, support online or face to face is a godsend. Fiona is right, some day it could save your life. Mental illness doesn’t make you a bad person, and you shouldn’t have to hide away xxx
i think facebook is a great way of getting support but you are right to stay away when not feeling good, it can also be isolating and stop you from communicating with the people right in front of your face
Why shouldn’t they why should they hide away? There’s loads of support groups on Facebook x
Just because someone has bipolar doesnt mean that they shouldnt have a facebook account x x
if it wasnt for facebook i wouldnt have you and all the support i get so i think it is a good idea even if it is just for online support when we cant face the real world x
why shouldnt they there still human beings at the end of the day there just ill xx
they shouldnt hide away! x
Why should anyone hide away!! its about experssing your self!!! xx