Supporting someone with bipolar

Im a 17 year old female year 11 student from Melbourne, and have been through a bit of crap.  My sister who is 25 suffers from bipolar disorder and has for over five years, and at times can make me feel really down.  It's hard for me as a sister to look after her.  There are so many people who suffer from a mental illness and it can me really demanding at times. The effect it has on the family is also a big deal.  I went through a severe episode of depression late last year and had to get myself help.  I just want to let every one out there to know thats it's ok to get help and it's out there if you need it. Life can be unfair sometimes and really hard and everyone needs a bit of help and support sometimes.

i'm sure there are several little sisters or brothers in the same situation as myself. Not only do I have to help my sister when she is down, I also have the stress of VCE and everything else there is to worry about as a teenager, but it's all a part of life!  mental illness had affected my family and myself a great deal, however, in turn has made us stronger people.  Mental illness if often refered to in a negative way.  It's very hard for someone with a mental illness and what these people need most is support, so if you know anyone who has a mental illness be sure to say a kind word and don't treat them any different.

When I tell my friends about my sisters illness they are often suprised because she looks and acts just like a 'normal' person, most friends are supportive and make sure that they don't refer to mental illness in a negative way. So many people suffer in silence.  Society has to be more supportive of people with mental illness.  I often tell people that my sister could be suffering from a physical illness and almost everyone would be sympathetic. However, the reality is that people with mental illness are treated differently but should be treated as any sick person should, no matter what illness they have.

You can't just pull a rug over these issuses; they need to be dealt with.  Another point I would like to make is that the suicide rate is highly regarded to mental illness (depression commonly) and 18-24 year old males are the highest group in our society that commit suicide.  So any male that is feeling down and is considering suicide needs help, if you have a friend who you think may be suffering from depression or any other mental illness be sure to look out for them and support them.