Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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How do you tell someone, you have bp2?

Imlosingit
Imlosingit

I've been struggling a lot lately (months) after my husband tells me, he can't deal with my "unstable emotions" emotions anymore. 27 years, and now after my brain surgery 3years ago. Didn't help that I wasn't diagnosed until 14years ago. Anyway, after the surgery my brain went wire. Suddenly all my, already heightened sense, got amplified. Plus I started having some memory and concentration issues.  I started see a new therapist, that brought about all kinds of little uglies about me, that were never brought to my attention. and really informed me about having bp2 as well as ADD. Freaked the hell,out of me. Now up until this point I hadn't really told anyone other than family, but since I was only put on meds without getting any "talk" therapy", and only glazing over the highlights of each disorder, I figured that's all I needed to do. Chalking up all the ups and downs to hormones and the stress of not being able to stay motivated or depressed alot. So I didn't think it was necessary to tell friends or new Friends about my disorders. My husband is leaving me, while  I'm stuck trying to learn/unlearn years of improper learning from also having ptsd, and trying to learn how to use this new messed up brain I got. So now months later after, and trying to meet new people, I'm told its best to be honest and upfront and to telling them about my having these disorders. Ya ok, now rather than becoming friends their going to run for the hills. Self conference has never been my strong suit. So how does one tell a potential new friend you have bp2. Without having them jump to the conclusion you have "what a lot of people call, psycho bipolar) no offence to those of you with bipolar1) and run for the hills or just by hearing you have a mental disorder, will back away from you?  I have a hard time explaining this to myself let alone tell someone else.  But therapist is right it would be fair to me or them,  if I didn't inform them soon after a potential friendship begins, that I have these disorders.  Any advice out there?  

mlr0853
mlr0853
Personally I think your therapist is wrong. In my own life, and I am bipolar, I do not tell new people...why? Because bipolar is only One Part Of Me....as is your depression add, ptsd...there are Many Other parts of who you are. Are your symptoms acerbated by the brain surgery....I would think the add might be...

We all have Strengths and Weaknesses...there is No One who doesn't have or know someone who has had mental health challenges. As far as long time friends pick and choose those who you trust with information...ya don't have to give them the dx name, you can say it's hard for me to stay focused and sometimes I get depressed.

A therapist """""Can Not Diagnose"""""" a Doctors Make a determination based on criteria...again, personally based on what you've been through and your husband after 27years moved out....I'd say you're doing pretty damn good if you only feel depressed! Best of luck to you!!
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
I don't tell anyone unless it's biting me in the ass. Like if I start having an episode getting depressed or manic it would be appropriate to disclose. But I don't just look for open windows. I'm not eager to tell anyone and I don't until I have to. Don't make a big deal out of it.
arfie
arfie
I wait until it is easy. We don't get to know everything about a new friend in the first sitting, nor do we get to tell them everything about ourselves in that first sitting. In the building of an honest, open relationship, I find that when the time is right, the subject flows easily.

Gentle support while you find what works for you.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
I have always been very 'out' about it simply because I've been an advocate to 'stop the stigma' and you sort of have to be out in order to educate... Having said that if I wasn't 'out' for a reason I would make my health care other peoples business.... As arfie wrote once you get to know someone things are easy..... BTW.... psycho bipolar..... Very uncool!... IMHO.... xo
Imlosingit
Imlosingit
Miro853@ Thanks, I like the multi parts to us. And bp2 is just one part, that I can share when I feel its time. and also only like what you said about the amount of to reveal. And the being depressed early on in life? that ain't nothing compared to the beyond stress, anxiety, and depression I've been experiencing this past 10months. And yes I believe the surgery did effect my symptoms of everything. :(
kisses2016@ I'm glad you mentioned "not going out looking for open Windows." I think I may have been doing that, and stressing myself at the same time. Like I'm psyching myself(making it a bigger deal than it needs to be) up thinking I'm going to have to tell someone. Not telling until I need to is sounding better. Thank you.
arfie@ yes, waiting for a time when things are more settled and the talking becomes easier, is also good. Suncloudcl@ your advice is good also.

Thanks again all.
Imlosingit
Imlosingit
Miro853@ Thanks, I like the multi parts to us. And bp2 is just one part, that I can share when I feel its time. and also only like what you said about the amount of to reveal. And the.*being depressed early on in life? that ain't nothing compared to the beyond stress, anxiety, and depression I've been experiencing this past 10months. And yes I believe the surgery did effect my symptoms of everything. :(
kisses2016@ I'm glad you mentioned "not going out looking for open Windows." I think I may have been doing that, and stressing myself at the same time. Like I'm psyching myself(making it a bigger deal than it needs to be) up thinking I'm going to have to tell someone. Not telling until I need to is sounding better. Thank you.
arfie@ yes, waiting for a time when things are more settled and the talking becomes easier, is also good. Suncloudcl@ your advice is good also.

Thanks again all.
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