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[mfaer]

I have a dilemma: my recent creative work (I’m a fiction writer) reveals my disability, bipolar disorder, as well as a history of state mental hospitalization as an adolescent.  I’m about to enter a grad program, and my first story from this longer piece of work is about to be published, along with an interview about the autobiographical connections.  I’m beginning to worry that what began as a liberating process of attacking mental illness stigma through accurate, sophisticated portrayals of the mentally ill will actually a) dramatically increase stigmatization toward me b) induce greater self-stigmatization on my own behalf and c) jeopardize my future on the job market.

I also worry what my future students will think of me once my secret is “out."

I guess I was just wondering if anyone else has dealt with mental illness stigma in academia.  There is increasing scholarship on the topic of mental illness stigma across the disciplines, which I’ve devoured lately, fueling my activist fiction.  The irony is that many of the folks in academia who might be drawn into such activist endeavors and/or scholarship will likely have an intimate connection to mental illness in their personal lives, and in the process of combating this horrible stigma, increase stigmatization toward themselves. 

Thoughts?

[sciencephd]

I don't think you have anyting to worry about.  Serious mental illness, such as depression and bipolar disorder, seems to be quite common among faculty, and many are very open about it.

[mfaer]

I don't think you have anyting to worry about.  Serious mental illness, such as depression and bipolar disorder, seems to be quite common among faculty, and many are very open about it.

Thanks.

Maybe I'm overreacting a bit after just finishing Stephen Hinshaw's book, "The Mark of Shame." He discusses how folks in his field (psychiatry) often receive harsh stigma for disclosing mental illnesses, though this might have something to do with the relationship between practitioner and patient.

[sciencephd]

heh, so what do you think of psychiatrists ?

[mfaer]

heh, so what do you think of psychiatrists ?

Haha.  I'm not going to touch this one.

[prytania3]

You're getting published. That's the only thing that counts. Get over it.

[mfaer]

You're getting published. That's the only thing that counts. Get over it.

Get over yourself, bully.

[mfaer]

You're getting published. That's the only thing that counts. Get over it.

Look, Prytania3, I apologize for snapping back, but if you recall, we went back-and-forth about a year ago in the "Leaving Academia" forum, and I'm not going down that road again.

Yes, I realize that publishing is what matters most in my field (no arguments there), but the intent of my OP was about an issue that is a bit too complex to be reduced to, "get over it." Also, I didn't intend to imply that I was having second thoughts, more than seeking advice/commentary on how others might've worked through this particular issue in academic settings.  I apologize if my OP is a bit unclear; sometimes it's difficult for me to articulate this painful topic.

Again, sorry for snapping back.

[prytania3]

You're getting published. That's the only thing that counts. Get over it.

Look, Prytania3, I apologize for snapping back, but if you recall, we went back-and-forth about a year ago in the "Leaving Academia" forum, and I'm not going down that road again.

Yes, I realize that publishing is what matters most in my field (no arguments there), but the intent of my OP was about an issue that is a bit too complex to be reduced to, "get over it." Also, I didn't intend to imply that I was having second thoughts, more than seeking advice/commentary on how others might've worked through this particular issue in academic settings.  I apologize if my OP is a bit unclear; sometimes it's difficult for me to articulate this painful topic.

Again, sorry for snapping back.

Oh right. I remember you. I still think you need to get over it.

[voxprincipalis]

Yes, I realize that publishing is what matters most in my field (no arguments there), but the intent of my OP was about an issue that is a bit too complex to be reduced to, "get over it." Also, I didn't intend to imply that I was having second thoughts, more than seeking advice/commentary on how others might've worked through this particular issue in academic settings.

Did it ever occur to you that just perhaps, Pry's remark was exactly what you are looking for?

You're getting published. That's the only thing that counts. Get over it.

Also, it is not wise to assume that advice you don't like automatically means that the person writing it doesn't understand the complexity of the issue. Certainly that is true in some cases, but not all...

VP

[phdbliss]

Are you in treatment and/or on meds? Disclosing that to those who seem shaky about it might help. Speaking from personal experience, I find that having had negative experiences with a parent with bipolar disorder, I tend to feel pretty uneasy around others with it initially, but I feel better around them if I know that treatment/medication is in the picture. Of course, I'm hypersensitive to it. Those without prior experience with the disorder - I don't know - do they seem uncomfortable around you because of it?   

[mfaer]

Are you in treatment and/or on meds? Disclosing that to those who seem shaky about it might help. Speaking from personal experience, I find that having had negative experiences with a parent with bipolar disorder, I tend to feel pretty uneasy around others with it initially, but I feel better around them if I know that treatment/medication is in the picture. Of course, I'm hypersensitive to it. Those without prior experience with the disorder - I don't know - do they seem uncomfortable around you because of it?   

Yes, I receive treatment. My depressions are much worse than my highs (or manic phases); I don't have manic phases that are too extreme.  I think the aspect of my particular illness that can make others uncomfortable, or think, “what’s up with this guy?,” is how I tend to withdraw socially when depressed, which can be a problem at times.   

But for the most part, no—folks don’t feel uncomfortable around me, but I rarely tell people that I have Bipolar.  I usually just say, “depression.”  I’ve found that there is less fear associated with “depression” than “Bipolar.”

[neutralname]

You're getting published. That's the only thing that counts. Get over it.

This brings back memories. Remember Pry's classic:

Oh for pity's sake. Get over it.

Are there even any men in America who don't look at porn?

The Nancy Reagan of the fora: Instead of "Just Say No" we have "Get Over It."

Are you havin' a laff?

mfaer: I'd say there is some risk in disclosing your disability status, but there may be benefits too.  On the job market, some places may be wary of you because they don't want to hire someone with erratic or unpredictable behavior.  Others, especially more sympathetic departments, may see your experience as an advantage.  You might be especially attractive to places that are strong in disability studies. 

There are plenty of people in academia who reveal their own mental illnesses and treatment histories, but they tend to do it after they've got tenure. If you make yourself an attractive candidate with good teaching and publications, you'll be employable.

Oh, and your students won't be that interested in your writing or your past. 

[mfaer]

You're getting published. That's the only thing that counts. Get over it.

This brings back memories. Remember Pry's classic:

Oh for pity's sake. Get over it.

Are there even any men in America who don't look at porn?

The Nancy Reagan of the fora: Instead of "Just Say No" we have "Get Over It."

Are you havin' a laff?

mfaer: I'd say there is some risk in disclosing your disability status, but there may be benefits too.  On the job market, some places may be wary of you because they don't want to hire someone with erratic or unpredictable behavior.  Others, especially more sympathetic departments, may see your experience as an advantage.  You might be especially attractive to places that are strong in disability studies. 

There are plenty of people in academia who reveal their own mental illnesses and treatment histories, but they tend to do it after they've got tenure. If you make yourself an attractive candidate with good teaching and publications, you'll be employable.

Oh, and your students won't be that interested in your writing or your past. 

Thanks for your response.  I'm actually really interested in disability studies, even though my primary area is creative writing.  That's great to hear. 

[lenniel]

I have noticed that mental illness is more accepted in the creative arts because we are, well, assumed to be unhinged.  That being said, bipolar is fairly common and you might think of being a role model for your students, if you choose to disclose.

My experience with academics and mental illness is legion, sad to say, however most people simply do not care.  As long as it doesn't impact them.  There is always the random a**hole who likes to torture people in every department, but you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and can put in a grievance if they try to mess with you.

Disability studies is a hot field, and there is a lot of interesting stuff going on there.  I know this because my mother is MPD, plus has depression, and basically pioneered this on our campus.  She is highly functioning and brilliant - many people with this diagnosis and bipolar are also quite intelligent - but has really had to learn how to cope.  I have spent much of my life taking care of these lacks, but it has never been an issue at her work.  She even was chair, and recently nominated to be provost.

Go for it, don't worry about it.