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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SoleyUnrequited 04/07/2010

Ever feel misunderstood by your "friends" or people who think they get you but interpret what you say and do all wrong?

I've had someone tell me I act like I'm the biggest thing since television aka a Diva. But I've noticed I only act that way when I'm manic because generally my self-esteem is so damn low. I'm like one of those "pretty" girls who have no idea how "pretty" they are. Usually compliments dont phase me but when I'm manic it just boosts me up more and I go about like some celebrity some chic was complaining about my manor because i was gaining a lot of attention. I wasn't even trying to.

Same goes for being flirty. I'm a very shy person. I don't like to flirt with strangers but when manic I'm very touchy and talkative and all around very outgoing with the guys. Again it makes some people think I'm some sort of attention whore or something.

These things have cause people who don't understand me to think the wrong things of me or just get me all wrong. It really kind of sucks cos some people look at me as if I'm using my condition as an excuse.

starfish 04/07/2010

I think that's a prolific problem for all of us, in one way or another....

deleted_user 04/07/2010

I'm fortunate enough to have friends who just over-look or laugh at dumb shit I do and when it gets serious they help me out.
As far as family goes, thats a whole other story.

SoleyUnrequited 04/07/2010

Yeah we cant choose out family but we can certainly choose our friends so I think that's why we tend to gravitate friends. They are usually more like family. And you love them. That's good for you though!

deleted_user 04/07/2010

i have issues with boundaries i have them up to the point i feel closed off from ppl or i feel i have no boundaries at all and am over exposed(or thats probally the reoson i try to erect a shield that closes me off completely,because of that lack of boundaries issue) i know that in one form or another these are common issues for alot of us with mental illness diagnosis maybe in your "manic" state you expose too much and your friends sense in some way that its uncomfortable or unhealthy and and thats the only way they know how to express thier discomfort at your behavior ,i dont know just a thought?

deleted_user 04/07/2010

If you've been grandiose it's part of the Bipolar spectrum, of course & beyond your control in that state..it's pretty awful that you're friend was mean to you about it...perhaps she needs to get schooled about BP?

It's not you- it's them & societal stigma..people find it much more easy to understand, say, a person with alzheimers or a brain tumour behaving strangely or out of character & are more compassionate & understanding, in general than when a person is suffering a bout of mental illness.

Perhaps Life & Experience will eventually teach them some, y'know? x

deleted_user 04/07/2010

Sorry your friends are not understanding to your illness. I had a friend like that once who couldn't understand that sometimes I was more reserved and quiete and other times I was the life of the party talking, dancing and flirting with men and women alike. She didn't want to understand and I realized that friendship was not worth having anymore.

deleted_user 04/07/2010

You are multi faceted. They are beige.

SoleyUnrequited 04/07/2010

Huh?!?! lol

deleted_user 04/07/2010

haha. you have depth to your personality, multiple layers, although you have clearly said it is part of your disorder.
So, your friends see you as one way, and this is the person they like. Not the other person. The question is, which one is you:?? lol

SoleyUnrequited 04/07/2010

Oh...Well that's a GOOD question. I can't answer that.

deleted_user 04/07/2010

I go with the personality I like best.

olenka1 04/07/2010

I've come to realise that there are two types of people in this world. Those who understand mental illness & those that don't. I say screw the ones who don't & just stick with the ones that do.

deleted_user 04/07/2010

or, I should say attributes. I don't want to imply multiple personalities.

I have a hypomanic side, which is confident, happy, forgiving, capable, accomplished.etc
and latlely my depressed attributes which are supspicious, sad, tired, confused, etc.

I beleive the hypomanic side are my true attributes. of course.

SoleyUnrequited 04/07/2010

Manic/ Hypomanic...I think its bad to idolize our phase. it wont help us get "better". But I find myself, like you loving my manic phase. I like the outgoing, fun, flirty, confident side.

Yeah, I've already decided who my friends are and have made the changes to the group of friends I belong to. Those that don't understand me can go fuck themselves. Let them think what they want and hate me for something I'm not. It's fine. But in the end I know I'm loved and well liked, popular or not popular in my scene.

deleted_user 04/07/2010

I think as we peel the onion we get some clarity on who we are and who we want to be.Once we start on the journey to becoming the person we want to be,it's also the journey to wellness.In my opinion in my journey I have found a happy medium between depressed and manic,now it's just the hard work of staying balanced.Now I am a different person than I used to be and I had to change my friends accordingly.

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