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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My boyfriend of 2 years recently left me, partly because he was finally worn out trying to figure out my "mood swings", and partly because I was unfaithful during a very major bipolar episode. I don't blame him for leaving. But when he did I suddenly realized that I quite literally have no friends. I have always had a hard time making friends, but I was able to pretend that my boyfriends friends were actually mine. It is really pathetic and depressing. My cell phone has no contacts in it, I have no one on my IM buddy list, and I don't even have any friends on MySpace.
I have never had any real good friends; I was always an outcast in school and was picked on often.
I have terrible social anxiety, but I have to figure out how to meet people. Unfortunately, I have not the faintest idea how to do it.
Even though I lack even a drop of self esteem, and my bipolar often sends me into isolation, I just have a feeling that I might be able to figure out this whole friend thing.
I am open to all advice...
I have never had any real good friends; I was always an outcast in school and was picked on often.
I have terrible social anxiety, but I have to figure out how to meet people. Unfortunately, I have not the faintest idea how to do it.
Even though I lack even a drop of self esteem, and my bipolar often sends me into isolation, I just have a feeling that I might be able to figure out this whole friend thing.
I am open to all advice...
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"WOOF"?
"WOOF"?
Even if you can't right now, but want to, you could start thinking about long term plans. Just thinking about it might make you feel a bit better and free up some energy for other things, such as developing friendships.
If you can, find a club or group that does mosaics or scrapbooking. Or maybe take a history course!! It's a way to get you out of yourself a little and with people with whom you share a common interest.
I have social anxiety too -- in fact, just reading your post and responding to it has upped my anxiety a little -- so I do know where you're coming from. And I know how daunting even trying those things I mention might be for you. But if you can force yourself to do it and keep doing it, some of that anxiety will probably fall away.
I was prescribed Klonopin for anxiety and I did about as well on it as you did on Xanax or Ativan.
When I told my Pdoc that it wasn't working he switched me from Seroquel (which was used for sleep, in my case) to SeroquelXR (extended release)to lessen my daytime anxiety. I've only been on it for a couple of weeks, but it does seem to help. Tell your Pdoc that your meds aren't doing the job and ask him what other options there might be.
I've been taking fish oil capsules and it really does seem as though they help, both with mental clarity and with short term memory. Maybe you could add them into your mix to combat any drug loopyness you're now experiencing.
Would you consider joining a support group for BPs? There may very well be one in your area.
I Googled "how to make friends"+"social anxiety" and got the following page: http://www.google.com/search?q=%22how+to+make+friends%22%2B%22social+anxiety%22&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7
Some of it looks pertinent -- and shows you that you are by no means alone in feeling the way you do.
The more you can familiarize yourself with tips and techniques, the less anxious you will be when it comes time to put them into practice.
Consider volunteering for a local church or charity if you can bear the thought of doing so. Helping others who need it will likely help you in the self esteem department and you just might form some friendships that way, as well.
The best of luck to you!!! The fact that you have a feeling that you might be able to figure out the whole friend thing shows that you are ready to do it!!!!
Don't wait until you're not nervous and afraid about taking some actual steps -- it likely wont happen!! It's the kind of thing that you just have to do, even if you do have to do it scared!!! It's partly the repitition that will help you to feel less anxious.
Take care!!!!
(And of course, always come here for some support when you need it!!!!)