Relapse, Mental Health Poem by James McLain

The stigma is biased, based on ignorance.
If some you just met someone and they said.
Hi, my name is James.
I am bipolar and a manic depressive.
Turning to me what would you say?
They ideally go out of their way to stay quite.
Many are ashamed of the ignorant,
it could lead to a relapse because of appearances.
With no intention of disceaving any one.
Many stay in hidding, how will this effect my loved ones.
Who protects them when they are away.
Who pays their bills so they won't loose their credit?
For many of them it has been days since they slept.
While not being productive leads to feelings of shame.
And taking advantage of them is so easy.
Being passive is terrifying,
because being nice, a decent human being means.
You are weak and untrustworthy of people.
And this could lead to civil commitment or worse.
Simply because others need to win,
and take advantage of you.
While something that is hereditary must be horrifying.
While both sides of the family fight to deny it.