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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kaylab
kaylab

To whom is reading..


Many do not know a lot about me, I post in waves and sometimes not for days. Today is my six year anniversary with my future wife. We are both in school, so today is about homework and finishing our first round of classes strong. We probably won't do anything, but that is okay. 


I found out yesterday that on Friday, my Cousin J (his first initial) took his own life. A few years ago he was diagnosed with schitzophrenia, we confided in each other when we were dignosed. He talked of coming to see me often, but we were never in a driving distance of each other. I regret it. I don't handel death well, and i'm not religious, so I dont pray and I want to pray for them because my family is religious and its comforting for them, but I just can't. They are in my thoughts and I am sending all of my love to them, but I was wondering if you guys could pray for them.. I wouldn't be asking normally, but this hits too hard for me. He was around the age of 26. J was funny, had the most beautiful soul, Caring, and just a great guy. I am going to miss him and our random talks. My cousin (his mom) has already lost so much in the past few years..I hate this.


Today, I found out that my 17 year old cousin M has a mood disorder. She is self medicating.. What do i say to her? She needs me. 

DDove
DDove
I will pray for J's Family and for you as well. That is so heartbreaking to hear. I also struggle with loss and I struggle with knowing what to say. Congrats on 6 years that is wonderful and something very positive in such a dark time right now. As for M. It is not what you say to her. Listen to her. It is when you listen and open your ear and start a conversation focused on listening to what they are struggling with and hearing their story that helps. Being able to tell M if you have had similar struggles and building trust in that area of M's life. When you do that it makes it a bit easier to talk about things and hard conversation down the line. Just hold your tounge and really feel for good timing before suggesting things right away because it might make her put her walls up and feel like its a conversation with other intentions. I don't know if anything in my paragraph will give you some ideas because of course I have very little to go off of. Any people over the years who were self medicating I got much farther listening to them then coming off worried and telling them to stop doing what they are doing because I love them. I got farther understanding the deeper reasons behind it and learning how I can help. I hope you are able to find something to start doing that makes you feel relief knowing you are going in the right direction with M. Praying for her as well.
SensitiveHoboLady
SensitiveHoboLady
Hugs of support and prayers for your family.

I’m glad you have an anniversary to celebrate and you both are doing well with school and everything else - that sounds like a great place for support.
passing4sane
passing4sane
I think a good part of the suicidal feelings involve feeling alone and feeling like things will never improve. So, along with opening the door to conversation, be the friend. Do things with M, Fun activity, education, whatever fits for the two if you together. There are rarely any "right words" to remove feelings of dread and isolation. People need people around them that they feel happiness with.
Community LeaderSunCloudJD
SunCloudJD
Big hug for you Kayla .... I am so sorry for your loss ... May he rest in peace... Prayers sent for you and your family

With regards to your other cousin.... We have a treatable disorder and there is really good treatment for it however she needs to see a professional in order to get it.... Self medicating unfortunately doesn't work and she probably already knows that

Perhaps you can let her know what works for you... Psychiatrists are highly trained specialists and a great doc will be there for her when she's ready

I personally was relieved when I was diagnosed as it sure answered a lot of questions for me.... Reaching out for help meant I was on the way to finding stability .... Big hug.... I'm sorry for all of the pain that you're going through.... xo
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