I can completely relate. My family and some friends have been so cruel and have abandoned me so much that for my own health I had to stop dealing with them. It is so difficult when faced with such ignorance from supposedly intelligent people who refuse to listen to reason. there comes a time when you have to stop banging your head against the brick wall and take of you. it does indeed suck, do remember that it is their issue not yours. hugs.

My family, friends, community, health care professionals. Somehow even when sick and undiagnosed was somehow was better than being treated and diagnosed if you can figure that one out. I got really sick publicly and the episode lasted for about 18 months. I am completely humiliated with the things that had happened. I couldn't even begin to apologize to all these people and my Pdoc said DON'T. They've already spoken these things to one another. I was sick. They got their apology in the form of gossip. Nobody knocks on my door or calls me. I just get this crap..."DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID OR SAID"?! I feel defeated sometimes. I'm here and it makes a huge difference. I understand. I hope you get to feeing better soon. ((((hugs))))

i hear you. Its is so wrong. Like with many things in this world when people dont understand something they are scared of it and being scared makes them run. My mother is one of my biggest supporters and she still believes that I do not have BP and whatever issues i do have will disappear when I lose all this weight. AShes not mean thats just how she handles it. I thik me being a lesbian was enough she cant deal with whole mental issue as well lol. Thats why I am glad for our group here we get each other.
Hugs to you.

Yep, I can relate. Sadly, it took a breast cancer diagnosis this winter for some friends to suddenly reappear again. They are crawling out of the woodwork to help me through this health issue and medical leave but if I have a bipolar break? They all disappear. I really do think it's because they don't know what to say.....

I also think that people don't understand bipolar. I've been diagnosed for many years now and am on medication and somewhat stable. My friends and family are still in denial that I have bipolar and treat me like I should be like a person without this disorder, I guess you call them normal.

More education is needed about bipolar for the general public.

Thanks guys you truly made me feel understood :)

I generally find that people know and respect me, mainly as I have had a rough old life due to the cards that were dealt at my table. Even my Granny has become more accepting now.

I'm so sorry you've been hurt... Big hug of comfort for you and yep some people really don't want to get a mental illness on any level however there are some really great people as well sweetie... Don't lose hope...x

(((HUGS))) to u Jen.

I'm sorry you had to go through that. I know exactly how it feels.
I think it's just plain ignorance. They're afraid of mental illness because they think we'll go off on them and do something violent OR
I've known people that don't believe it exists, that we're just crybabies and need to get our act together.
Either way, it hurts like hell.