Tag: In Other Words

In Other Words Part 1: Top 3 Misuses of "Bipolar"; Teenage Girl Shows us What Bipolar Really Is

For many of us who have children with bipolar, it hurts when people callously throw the word "bipolar" around to describe anyone who is annoying or rude.  People joke around with the words "bipolar," "ADD," "OCD," or "Retard" everyday.  People do get hurt--people living with these conditions and the people who love them.  Language can be a powerful tool that either creates stigma or compassion.

In Other Words Part 3: Top 2 Most Common Misuses of "OCD"; Young Lawyer Shows us What OCD Feels Like

With Ivan's booming voice and degree from Harvard Law School, it's hard to believe that OCD used to plague his daily existence. Ivan, a 29 year-old lawyer, tells us about life with OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He discusses how OCD jokes (think: "He's so OCD" or "I cleaned my room today; just being OCD") affect him & others fighting OCD. Also discussed: advice from International OCD Foundation.

In Other Words Part 2: Top 2 Most Common Misuses of "ADD"; College Student Unveils 4 Strategies for Fighting ADHD

Ellie, a college senior, with piercing blue eyes and a magnetic personality, talks about how being diagnosed with ADHD catalyzed a 180° change in her life--in school, family, friends, and dating. From diagnosis to classroom accommodations, Ellie walks us through life with ADHD. She discusses the stigma (jokes like "I don't want to do my homework; I'm ADD") and how hurtful it is. Also discussed: Other words besides "ADD" to describe things unrelated to ADHD.