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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Making a New Friend

Amuseme
Amuseme
I usually work with men, but last week a young woman came to see me to discuss a sexual issue. Since I'm a holistic counselor (a self-made profession) I can be informal. It's actually how I met my bf 6 yrs ago. We have a lot in common and decided to get together this week.

I hope it goes well. I can be over-bearing- talking too much about myself and giving too much advice. I'm going to try to rein this in and try to listen. Listening is a real challenge. I'm always interrupting from impulsiveness. I'm not as bad with a client because I know I'll have my turn to give my insights and suggestions. It just gets away from me in social situations. It's social anxiety I suppose.
kenjiLeach
kenjiLeach
I'm most talkative when I first meet someone. I know I overwhelm people..:).

It is hard to be calm and quite when you are trying to make a good impression.

Good luck...:).
dobiedots
dobiedots
I talk too much and am big on giving advice. My downfall. I don't want to be that "know it all' type of person and I know a few people perceive me that way. And yes, I interrupt.
Social anxiety? I don't know. I just feel that I have so many ideas and opinions and advice to give I can't shut up! Maybe it's an ego thing??
pumpkinpumpkin
pumpkinpumpkin
Do you watch Rachel Ray? I think she's adorable except when she has a guest and she interrupts, talks over them, and finishes their sentences - often giving bogus information and advice.

I'm not sure if this is what you are talking about. I interpret it as her needing constant attention and since it is her show no one says anything.
freenowfinally
freenowfinally
oh my word, all you people are talking about me AGAIN!! Darn it...argh. I've often heard " you just can't shut her up", Ms. Know it All. I can't help it. All I do is study, don't have any friends left. They are tired of listening!, ...some friends...lol. How many people do you know goes to school, just to go? lol
Amuseme
Amuseme
It went very well! Erica is extremely intelligent and it made it easier for me to listen. She is was heavily medicated for a mis-diagnosis of mental illness when it was Lyme's disease that she has. Also has of hx of emotional abuse from Father. Here are links to DBT which is helping her immensely. I'm sure some of you are familiar with it. I'm going to look into it. I'm tired of traditional psychotherapy. This comes with a workbook and exercises to deal with emotions which I hope will help with impulsiveness.

http://dbtselfhelp.com This link is just an overview of skills.

http://behavioraltech.org/index.cfm This link is for clinicians, but if you go under 'resources' you will find a way to find DBT therapists.
Nester4U
Nester4U
I have poor listening skills too that I'm working on. It's really hard work to really listen and hear somebody yet that is what most people want is to be heard. I think my problem is concentration and distraction. Anyways it reminds me of something I heard a preacher say a long time ago-that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. I'm happy for you making a new friend!! Hugs!
Amuseme
Amuseme
thanks Nester; it's rare to find a true connection; my prayers are being answered :)

It does take two and I'm giving myself kudos for showing interest and maintaining a friendly dialog. with email there is time to think before you write and I've been trying to work on that too.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Good luck to you!!! I tend to talk a lot also and then I get anxious thinking I gave to much away or thinking now the know more about me they won't like me lol I totally get where your coming from glad it went well :)
sirsmiley21
sirsmiley21
I do it too. Guessing its a bipolar trait.
I also do that thing where I get scared I said too much too fast.
Glad you made a friend.
I'm also ridiculously honest. Which gets me in trouble but a lot of time people find refreshing. Have a blessed day :)
Amuseme
Amuseme
I ridiculously honest too. Erica is as well so she isn't put off by it. Thanks for your well wishes!