"I felt stigmatized"

While presenting for my blood donation, I was being interviewed by an intake nurse.

They always check that my medications are safe for donation. The reason for each medication must be stated. I take three medications for bipolar. At one time I could be less specific, saying the purpose of the treatment was for “mood disorder.”

The nurse was visibly distressed blurting out that they didn't think I could give consent to donate. I was calm, cooperative and respectful and could see no reason to be denied donating because of my well-managed mental disorder.

They left abruptly and brought back another nurse. No one asked if I’d been recently hospitalized, had medication changes or ever had second thoughts about donating. I felt judged and disbelieved. I have given blood many times before.