Forgive me, for this may be a long diatribe . . .

OK, I actually know a lot of folks who are BiPolar (are we attracted as friends?). Angry at times? Yes. Depressed at times? Yes. (I am a manic and rarely get depressed) But completely out of control - no. Not one of my DXed friends is out of control. They are just self-destructive or peaved for no good reason.

At any rate, I know there are probably much worse forms or instances of BP than I have - or maybe not as lots of things infuriate me.

Point being, I have a concealed handgun carry license in Texas. I just read that I cannot keep it because I've been 'officially' diagnosed with BP. I've never been arrested, I'm a veteran, I have a job with the government, and have a clearance (another concern). There are some mental disorders in which the Pdoc can write a letter saying something to the effect of, "This guy is OK and poses no threat to the general sociaty." But not with BP - its just a no-go.

WTF????? I get angry, but have never assaulted anyone nor would I unless I felt in fear for my life.

This makes me want to go to my Pdoc and tell him to give me the files so I can shred them. Now I feel like a fruit; whereas, before I read this I felt soo good about the meds I'm on and how much they are helping me.

Any thoughts??? Any help? Any suggestions? Anyone out there with a clearance and have had to deal with this??? I did not know there was such a stigma with this disorder (P.S. ADD/ADHD is OK . . .).

(and please, no 'guns are good' or 'guns are bad' opinions - thats not what this is about as baseball bats and vehicles can be used in wrong way as well)

I don't have clearance but I can say that in my life I have kept it quiet based on the stigma. I'm not necessarily ashamed, in fact I would love to share it with so many, but the world tends to believe we are a danger or can't "handle" the day-to-day struggles that life throws at us and look us over for promotions, etc. Hush, hush is unfortunately the way I have to go in order to climb the corporate ladder. <shrugs> I wish I could offer you more and I hope things go well for you.

I once considered getting my clearance until I saw the medical release and questions for the pdoc...then I reconsidered. I feel your pain and frustration...I truly do.

Well, as far as the clearance, the Pdoc said that he's seen it before and the investigator will come to him and he can just tell them that you are trustworth and fit for the clearance (which he said he would do for me). But, thats really not the point, is it?

You were mentioning that bipolars are attracted as friends. I believe it is the choas, not the bipolar, that we are attracted to.

Bipolar is tricky. I went on the state health plan and because I was bipolar they all but dismissed the idea of treating the ADD as and refused meds for it.

I think it is lame that they can keep you from carrying a gun.

NonSequitor,
Love your pic, btw. There were two main issues in the law:
1. Any diagnosed mental condition that requires constant and/or lifelong medication is a no-go.
2. BiPolar is a no go. Nothing to add, just if you've been diagnosed with BiPolar you are done.

So, here are the options with the current law. I could have looked at the law prior to going to the doc and said, "No way, not happening as I know I will be diagnosed BP (and would have said no way had I known the law then)." I did a LOT of research and knew thats what they would DX me with.

So, I could have gone untreated, and as many or all of you know BP gets worse with age. That being said, what happens when I'm 60, still have a license, and go off the deep end because I didn't get treated? Its freakin' illogical!

And, as far as Bi-Polar and friends, I think there is some connection/kindred spirit there? I have to observe a little more and figure it out, but there absolutely IS something there. When I get a little more insight I will post it.

I think Bipolar are attracted as friends more because they've gone through samiliar experiences. They can relate to what the other person is going through in a way that others cannot.

Im sure it happens with people of unique experiences. Like Mothers who've had their babies die, no one else can know what its like. Others can read about the symptoms and the feelings but its not the same as experiencing it.

It also gives people something to talk about, its easier ot talk with bipolar people about bipolar symptoms and experiences than someone who isn't.