YEs this post is very true unfortunatly. I have a very supportive family through anything. But if its anything to do with my depression or anxiety and I wouldnt even MENTION bipolar around them it might kill them. I dont know its like the subject of any kind of mental stuff makes everyone uncomfortable and honestly I would rather be pretty open about it but I dont feel that I can be. And my mom who I am so close with has her own issues with anxiety and we have discussed them before and I told her maybe she should get a PRN for her anxiety but she believes that i she just thinks about it hard it enough her anxiety will go away. Meds are not a bad thing! So anyway I see what your saying here. Glad we have DS to come and unload.

I know exactly how you feel, TC. Instead of being supportive towards me, some people (family members, etc.), tend to make me feel almost "bad" for having a HEALTH condition. It's terrible.

We are NOT to blame, and we aren't flawed as a result of having these health concerns. People need to understand that.

I'm so glad you aren't circling the drain.

There are members of my family (including hubby and mom) who are very uncomfortable getting too close to the bipolar issue. What works for them is to believe that it's all better now because I take pills. It makes me laugh at the simplicity of it all in their minds -- if only that were true.

Just like none of us signed up for this disorder, some of our loved ones didn't sign up for it either and aren't equipped to be understanding and supportive. Some of my family members have researched bipolar and developed a fairly accurate understanding of it. (One of my daughters is a psychotherapist.) Others not so much.

The absolute last thing I want to do is burden my family and friends so I've sought and found the support I need elsewhere. There's really no judgment one way or the other (such as "If you really loved me, you'd learn about bipolar and come up with ways to be supportive on your own.) I have a notion that my brain is easily susceptible to the poison of negative thoughts so I try not to even go there.

DS is a great resource for us as well as real llfe bipolar support groups. Do you have a group in your area?

I think a lot of people have no idea how to help... It's not in their perception as it's not their experience

I remember giving a talk for a Mood Disorder Assoc that I used to volunteer at and a mother was talking about her son who was 'depressed'.. Her word... She gets depressed... She doesn't get that it's very different from depression

She would encourage him to take walks in the sunshine etc... Things like that and he would get furious with her and hang up on her... She wanted to help him so much but they were at odds due to ignorance... It was simply a lack of knowledge

I explained the difference.. She had no idea... I gave her some suggestions... When effected by a mental illness and ill it often effects how we react to others and that may be something that people shy away from as well

I think the disorder is ours to take care of and my family wanted to sweep it under the rug as well... It was never talked about... I found talking to people who did get it completely was so much more supportive for me... I have no doubt my family cared for me... They just knew little of mental illness and bought the stigma as so many do... Big hug and a blessing...xo

You are right on, TC. I have interstitial cystitis, have had surgery multiple times, and my whole family was BY MY SIDE for every procedure TO THIS DAY but when it comes to depression or anxiety (forget delusions/hallucinations), they run like I've got the plague. It's amazing. These don't seem like the same people.

People just don't get it. Not unless you've experienced it for yourself.

TC - I had the exact same thing happen. Everyone went out of their way to help me during the cancer. In fact, 3 of those people stopped talking to me when I said I had BP. Unbelievable.

I don't think there is an answer. People are just ignorant and they refuse to learn about the illness. My stepson is staying w/us after being diagnosed Unipolar. He doesn't want to go home because his family insist he's depressed because of the music he listens to! Isn't that outrageous???

I just don't acknowledge these types any more. They can live in their stupidity, I'm getting on with my life.
Don't dwell on it TC...they're not worth it.

Unfortunately , my cancer and bipolar were DXed at about the same time.

I was going through a mastectomy and a terrible BP episode.

No one in my family stepped in to help...I felt very cut off and lonely .

The only person who was there for me was my boy friend. He was 26 years younger than I was ........ I think his and my relationship had much to do with my families distance from me

Now years later, my family is all lovey dovey to me .... but I remember when they weren't

When we have surgery, undergo cancer treatment or break a leg, our loved ones seem to know what would be helpful and appropriate to show support. When we have a mental illness, all bets are off.

When I'm struggling with BP I usually can't figure out nor articulate what would be helpful. A lot of the time I just want to be left alone yet I'm also sad, lonely and needy -- feelings that would greatly benefit from interaction. Let's face it -- this thing is tough on us and those around us.

I'm inspired though to create a card & gift line specially designed for those suffering from that taboo subject -- mental illness. Any suggestions for my product line?

OMG Baby, what a GREAT idea!!!!!!!!

Ty all for your thoughts, they are very helpful!!!

The stigma is unfortunate, and I'm grateful that a group like this exists, as we can understand each other. Also, the stigma is progressively being reduced in society. Here where I live, there was a prominent campaign this year by one of the largest telecommunications corporations, whereby 6 million was raised towards supporting mental health causes.

Unfortunately, this post is so true.

TC, this is so true and sad. I'm currently facing a lot of discrimination at work it feels like they think I'm full of it. At least we have ds