I agree that self acceptance is a hard thing but maybe you can find your gift that you can give others by experiencing your own difference - you might be able to see that struggle in others and appreciate them for it? I hope you can find some consolation and maybe turn your uniqueness into a positive. I would be well served to take my own advice ! :) Peace.

Oh dear, I was thinking about these things in my own life. Yeah. Pooh. I always feel separate. My husband said today he's not sure why I do, but yeah,nalways have even when included. Odd.

Might not be at all what you're saying, but you've got my commiseration w/ lonileness.

Hugs there my friend. I hear you...and maybe you're no more odd than anyone else under the skin. Idk. More hugs (((Pagan)))

I have struggled with feeling like a misfit my entire life. But one day in outpatient therapy I felt comfortable enough when it was my turn to talk, I bravely said:

"Well, I just think I'll be better off if I embrace the fact that I'm a weirdo and get on with my life." It was one of those You Had To Be There moments, but everyone including the three therapists facilitating the group busted up laughing and it was a bonding moment for us all. A group of us went out for tacos afterwards and we laughed and laughed at all the crazy stuff we did and said in the psych ward.

The older I get, the better I feel when I can laugh more. I guess that's the point I'm trying to make.

You're a cool misfit pagan!!!

UNIQUE

You are unique !

I struggled with the inner label of misfit for so long myself .

Finally one day , it struck me ,,,,I don't want to be "normal" ..I am NOT a misfit ..I am UNIQUE !

First of all, you are NOT a misfit. I am hoping these quotes I looked up for you will help you see just how important you are, just the way you are. Hugs GB

1. To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don't need to be accepted by others. You just need to accept yourself.

2. Your life has purpose. Your story is important. Your dreams count. Your voice matters. You were born to make an impact.

3. Be honest about who you are, flaws and all. You never know who you are inspiring by simply being you...

I felt like a misfit until I got into therapy. It was my own insecureness that caused it. Once I learned I was an ok person, just like everyone else, it went away.

I often feel like a misfit too. I tend to feel like a square trying to fit into a round hole. It just doesn't work, I've tried and tried to be "normal", but I've come to find that normal is actually kind of boring. It's more fun to be myself than it is to try and fit a particular model that other people want me to be. Coming to DS has helped me a lot.

Accepting yourself is a big part of the puzzle. Once you become accustomed to and accepting of the fact that are a BP'er and you admit to yourself that BiPolar is a Disease like any others, it's really hard to feel comfortable around others. The think with BiPolar is you have to manage it, all the time, 24/7/365. The goal of Stability is what we all hope to reach and it can be done...but it takes work and you have to be willing to work hard, because it is no walk in the park my friend. Once you learn how to intertwine your" BiPolar -ness" into your daily life and become comfortable in your new 'skin' so to speak, you'll feel more comfortable around "normies". You won't be nervous and anxious and react to every little thing people do or say.

No family or group of friends is made out of people who are all alike, each person is different and unique in their own way. You have your own unique qualities. As you become more self-aware and accepting of yourself and your challenges it will be easier to be around people, family and friends. Your not a misfit, your just a man who has a few challenges to overcome. If you have a Therapist perhaps you could tell him that you'd like to zone in on working on your self-esteem and acceptance of your life with BiPolar.

In the mean time, when your with your family, practice some deep breathing techniques before the visit and even if you have to slip off to the bathroom. Just keep yourself calm, and try to put happier, nicer thoughts in your head to chase away those "I'm not good enough to be here, I'm all alone" thoughts. Eventually when your self esteem is strong and you're ready it might be nice to sit down with your family and talk, things like, "hey, I know I'm different sometimes, but it's because of an illness, I can't help it. I'm still your son, brother, etc. and I want to be in your life and feel comfortable being in your lives." Sometimes breaking the ice can go along way.

Hang in there,

OCP

I never label myself anymore I accept who I am it comes with age and I have learned to love myself inside and out that is the key to accepting yourself. I love every thing about me and I own every thing about me. I think you should write a part II on here and put down everything you love about yourself that would be a good start and you will be on your way to not label yourself. I hope to see your next post on here to start a discussing or conversation about what we love about ourselves. That would be cool.

Hi back again I had one more thought. I don't care if I fit in. What matters to me is I love myself and love everything I do in life. I hope this helps. Big hugs being sent your way. I love your profile picture.

Not new doesn't mean not significant. Although I understand how something coming up over and over feels. Esp feeling like a misfit. Do you want to be the spotted elephant, or the train with square wheels on your caboose?

I'm sorry that other people are causing you to feel like an outsider. It's one thing to work to accept ourselves, but there is nothing we can do if others can't accept us. I wish I had something better to say. ((hugs)) friend.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my post and comment. I greatly appreciate all of your kind words.

Hang in there, Dude!

I'm sorry that you are being dogged by these thoughts and feelings.

With that I can only say that for me I believe I just need to be who I am.

I need to be comfortable in my own skin not based on what others may or may not think or feel about me.

Take Care