Bipolar: A New Fashion Statement?

Why does it seem like nowadays everybody, especially young people, want to be manic-depressive/bipolar? Do they even know exactly what bipolar is and feels like?
Personally, I am not bipolar however I do suffer from major depression, anxiety disorder, and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Those diagnoses could be worst but they are already a burden in my life -- bottom line, I know what it feels like to having to be switched up on meds/SSRI's, sent to the hospital/mental health clinics and be scrutinized by psychiatrists. So, my question is, why do some people want to go through that? Are their lives THAT mundane to the point where they feel a mental illness is gonna spice things up? I mean, think about it. Have you guys noticed the increase of people using "bipolarism" as an excuse for their misconduct or misbehavior? Have you noticed the number of celebs pulling the "bipolar card"? People need to realize that bipolar is S-E-R-I-O-U-S.

Too the first poster...it's so funny you mentioned the "new ADD" because I can recall in high school EVERYBODY talked about ADD. The kids in HS would even lie that they had ADD to get out of penalties for insubordination. LOL! Sad.

Maybe I can shed some light. My son was recently diagnosed with bipolar. He went up to college in September, dropped out, bought a store, got kicked out of the frat house, exhausted his life savings and was walking home with a drawer full of wires while chanting he was going to take over the world. Was in and out of mental institutions, the latter of which he escaped from only to be returned shortly thereafter. To fully understand why people want to be bipolar is because it is the "end game". A real illness with a real treatment option. Some people feel so bad, they dont care what you call it, they just want some help. As in your case, you certainly have a full plate. Also it takes the average bipolar ten years to get a accurate diagnoses. My daughter is now coming to me saying she thinks she is bipolar. Some people confuse bipolar with being moody. It the only thing I can think of because NO ONE, but NO ONE, in their right mind would want to be bipolar. Hope I answered your question and Good luck.

I know, it looks like Bi-polar is the new ADD eh.
Personally I have no health problems whatsoever so this is just my opinion.

I know people do have these disorders but I think for the majority it's used as an excuse for bad behavior.

I am bi-polar and for the life of me would never be able to understand why anyone might want it!! My guess is that they want to be able to use it as an excuse for bad behavior and to get drugs. It's sad. Interesting observation on your part. I've also noticed an increase in people seeking to be confirmed as mentally ill. Very strange!

omg.. its so annoying.. ive had people saying they are mean to me or dont acknowledge me because they have bipolar.. when they only just seem jealous.. if they were as bad as they say.. they'd be on medication.. i have mild depression and major anxiety... but i hide it infront of people.. not use it as an excuse for everything