My family did abandon me with my diagnosis. I eventually became civil with my husband and always loved and had the love of my children, but for the rest of the family, they were gone and I had to accept that.

I was very needy for friends/family substitutes at first and that clearly showed in all of my actions. I requested recognition of the friendship early into the relationships. It would be like going on a first date and telling him ok you are my boyfriend. These attempts at friendships didn't last because I was try too hard and wanting to rush the relationships.

I do have one friend that I was patient with and he was patient with me. We haven't become good friends over night but over the years.

I think accepting where you are and the potential friendships you can develop with the other people in the program is a good first step. If you are friendly and kind to others, they will usually be the same way back to you. You will eventually develop friendships. I think it is key not to rush things but just enjoy the people around you. Hopefully your family will come back into the picture, but if they don't you can build a good life without them.

Good luck!

You ask the million dollar question.

I always plan to meet new ppl when I am OK and keep away when I am crazy. But it always works the other way cos I am very sociable when crazy.

Just keep putting yourself out there and show interest and care to people and try not to expect too much from them.

so sorry for the abandonment, it hurts like nothing else doesnt it. maybe think of it as the start of a new life where you build a family of friends??

Nobody will ever love you like you love yourself. It is sad and hurtful to be ignored by family but you'll get over it and be able to develop a long-term grudge to focus yoiur feelings on. I have friends. I didn't go about gathering them in, they just came along and stayed. I think you have friends here and that's a start.

I'd be nice to be people and be friendly. But I wouldnt talk about my problems. I wouldnt dump on them. I am sure you have had friends before and know how to make friends.

Ihave had friends for 35-40 years and I still don't dump on them. Its just too much for normies to handle I think.

When I am manic they call me crazy _______ (my name). :)

Hugs

i know exactly how you feel..... i wish i had a good answer for you but i thought of this: 'be silly be honest be kind'- Ralph Waldo Emerson.........its really that simple because i don't think theres ever going to be a time when i am not crazy... i just be myself and some people embrace me while others write me off.... i don't need everyone to be my friend ;)

I too was abandoned by my family. But only because my disorder (my craziness) gave me the strength to say fuck off.
I am proof that you do not need your family. I have my husband and my children and that is enough.
As far as meeting people, you do not have to share your crazy with them until they are ready. Too soon and watch them run. People aren't suppose to judge but they do everyday.
When you wake in the morning only you can judge yourself. Then if you don't like it, get a dry erase marker and fix it, until you laugh. It will all come in time my friend. Keep your head up.