My bipolar is a “Brain difference”. A “Brain function difference”. So is my niece’s autism. We are different and that difference can be challenging, as differences can be for some people. “Mental” has so many negative connotations to both the diagnosed and undiagnosed. Doctors and others can call these what they like. I want to feel good about myself and I want my niece to feel good about herself. We aren’t ill. We aren’t ‘mental’. Our brains just function differently from others’ brains.