40 Million Voters Ignored

About 12 million Americans are living with cancer 400,000 Americans suffer from multiple sclerosis; 1 million from Parkinson’s and 1.2 million are living with HIV/AIDS. 40 million Americans over the age of 18 suffer from a mental illness!!! Los Angeles Times

That is 40 million people who have a vote in this election. However, have you heard either candidate mention mental illness?

With the stigma still running rampant regarding mental illness, this saddens me. Even the leaders of our country can’t mention mental illness.

Why? Please ask them. I have contacted every senator and congress person, governor, VP Joe and Dr. Jill Biden, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. I also contacted Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan. I have only heard from about four people. That is pathetic!

As a person living with bipolar disorder, I have not only suffered from a mental illness, but also dealt with the stigma. I also suffered financially because my medical and mental health insurance coverage were separated causing me to pay two deductibles,etc. At one point, I owed over $6,000 because neither insurance company would pay for a hospital stay!

This needs to stop! Please use social media or email the candidates and politicians demanding answers. This is a great way to find who represents you and get their contact information. http://www.contactingthecongress.org/

If you are one of the 40 million voters, please learn how your presidential candidate, senators, and congress people stand before voting.

About Michelle Clark Bipolar Bandit

I am a strong advocate for the mentally ill and have been since I was first approached by a lawyer in a psychiatric facility as a teenager. He wanted me to help him fight how the mentally ill are mistreated. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 17 after a full blown manic episode. Before that, I suffered from debilitating depression for 4 years. My goals are to help others by sharing my story and providing tips to deal with mania and depression. I often write blogs related to advocating for people like myself. I want to encourage, inspire, and educate those with #bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses and also include inspirational #quotes. I founded the group Advocates for People with Mental Illnesses and the page Mental Health Advocates United and have several social media sites that are related to bipolar disorder and/or advocacy. If you are an advocate or would like to be, I hope you join our FB group: Advocates for People with Mental Illnesses

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