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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Isolation

deleted_user
deleted_user
I guess I am looking for encoragement...

I feel very scared of taking this big step in my life, for the first time I will be on my own, no boyfriend, no husband, no friends living near me.

I need to feel in charge of my life for the first time, I can't live with the thought of depending on people for my happines and well being. I made the mistake of staying married because I was affraid of been alone and sick. Now my divorce is almost finalised.

I searched for the perfect place to live and I found it, I visited and I've fallen in love with the city. It is safe, young, it has great hospitals, great weather, it is a small city but close to four major cities. It is a perfect place for me.

Now my fears, my dream city is located far from Florida (where I live). I dont know anyone there, no doctors, no friends, no family, no neighbors, not even the roads.

I will hate myself forever if I have to depend on someone to take care of me. I've been in treatment for my disorder for only 1 year, and I am still struggling, but I have a lot ambition to live a healthy life.

My whole family lives in Brazil, and they already made clear if I get too sick I would became a "burden" to the family.I do have some supporting friends here in FL and here at DS of course :).
I dont feel sorry for myself neither I am looking for pitty, I just have a hard time to be realistic sometimes. Am I setting myself for faluire? I dont want to give up my dream because of fear.


Is it unrealistic for a bp live completely alone? Is it too dangerous? Is bp going to hold me back? Am I forgetting to consider something important?

Please be honest, dont worry bout hurting my feelings, I am very stable today, so I can take criticism :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
You're not setting yourself up for failure, and it is fine to live alone, just make sure you are not completely shutting out the world. It sounds like you have found a place for you to be happy, so embrace it! BP can only hold you back if you let it, try to remember that. I don't think it is dangerous to live alone as a BPer, as long as you have what you need: a sense of security, some stability, and a plan for when you get in a rough spot. Best wishes to you, I think you are making a wonderful decision.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Keep doing what is working for you - meds, treatment and whatever else you do. Maintain a good attitude keep up that ambition for a good life.
Sometimes we have to take the plunge. It sounds like you are "going to" instead of "running away". That is healthy. Just because we are BP doesn't mean we can't live life. Hope this helps.
deleted_user
deleted_user
whisper, can't sleep so saw your posting. Boy I wish I knew what to say. I know about being alone. I do wish you could find someone nearby to just sit down and have a good cry with. That is something I have to do sometimes. Just weep. Let it all out. All the fear and all the loneliness. Healing the heart takes time but a first step is to really let it all in and have a really good cry. I am praying for you dear that you find your way. And that this will soon be past. The worst is always when you first find out this illness is real. Then the hard part comes, accepting it, and getting on with what steps need to be taken to get well and remain well. I pray that you will find those steps as hard as they may be - something you can do. And I hope you will find a local support group who can stand with you in this struggle. The last few months I found one and the men and women in it are great people who know what is going on and they call me and keep up with how I am doing. You need that - please check and see if there is a DBSA chapter in your current community and look one up where you plan to live ahead of time. Maybe they will come out and help you unpack... :-) Check out my last journal entry tonight. Maybe it will help you cry. Take care - I really do need to get some sleep - listening to songs that make me cry right now. Earlier I was flying - I am coming in for the rocky landing as usual. But a good cry will heal my heart again. Good nite, young lady.
deleted_user
deleted_user
you are such a nice person roundtable
I hope you get a good night of sleep, dont keep yourself awake, rest.
I will talk to you soon
deleted_user
deleted_user
BPsux thats a cute nickname, you right, I will have a plan if things get rough.
Thank you for the support.
northreco , thank you too, I really dont want to run away because of fear.
I will mantain the good attitude
deleted_user
deleted_user
Sounds to me like you are moving forward to a new home. Not running from anything. Would suggest you look at the DBSA website and see if there is a DBSA support group in your new area. Know I have found much knowledge, support and a chance to share with others there. And a chance to make friends as an added bonus. One of the purposes is sharing advice as to where to go for services in mental health etc. We share info for welfare, food stamps, health insurance, what ever someones needs may be...as so often someone or their spouse may lose a job or whatever. Or need to find a new psych doc or therapist or is new to the area.

I found my acceptance for this illness by attending a DBSA support group. Guess misery loves company, but also just talking to others face to face and sharing how others deal with daily triggers and reactions of others and really, really knowing you are not alone with this...knowing others have taken the same meds before...dealt with the same issues has meant so much in my growing stronger and healing to a great extent.

Hope this helps you, and good luck with your move. Bless you on your fresh start in life. A wonderful new beginning.
BettyB
BettyB
Sounds like a good plan and reaching for one's dreams is very important.

I don't think it is unrealistic for a bp to live completely alone or too dangerous.

Please consider:
1. Finances-- Where is the money coming from both short term and long term? Divorce settlements? Savings? Family? What are future jobs/careers?

2. Setting up support system especially while you are up-- 1. medical-- at least phone numbers of a pdr and counselor in new cities and if you have insurance making sure it matches. 2. activities desired to meet people for social network
3. maybe a pet 4. get map on computer

YOU GO!!!!!!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have lived alone and divorced as a bpII now going on about 12 years. It is written that it is not good for man to be alone. I'm in my late 40's and I have been so alone that it literally caused physical pain. As long as you can keep up with your bills, manage your money, save for your retirement and your future, perform well on your job, enjoy life every day, make friends, smile about your memories, trust God, you should be ok. But sometimes we are all as independent as a hog on ice.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I took notes
DBSA support group. (Guess misery loves company, thats cute!)
I did not know DBSA could be that helpful.
As it is right now I am ok, I saved some money, from the divorce I wont get anything, because there is nothing to get :)
My biggest fear is me having a crises, other than that I am not afraid of working hard. I will be careful and make sure I take all the precautions necessary.
You are the best, thank you!
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