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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nobody666 07/17/2008

my family is in town for a rare get togeather before everyone moves on. We have been getting togeather for dinner and stuff the last few days but I blew them off the last two. I just have nothing more to share with them.

They seem to take offense sometimes that I am not as motivated to spend as much time with them as I should. But I have a life and faminly to care about.

Should I get more involved with them while I have the chance or just keep isolated like I have for years.

deleted_user 07/17/2008

personally, i think it is a good idea to spend time with family when you can, as long as it doesn't overwhelm you. but, if you dont see them much, or it will be awhile before you get to again, i say go out with them. even you dont get into serious conversations, its nice to just keep up contact. you will always need family, at some point in your life. and they love you, no matter what

deleted_user 07/17/2008

I am with baby, if you get the chance to spend with family, do it. I am not so comfortable with my family but do so when I am invited. My brother-inlaw passed away in Sept an I hadn't seen him since Dec so I felt very bad.

deleted_user 07/17/2008

yeah, i rarely spent time with any of my in-laws, even when i was in the same state. my husband's lil brother committed suicide last yr and i felt so horrible. and now, we are getting divorced. so i won't even be related to them any more. they will still see my son, but i don't think they like me any more.

deleted_user 07/17/2008

I have avoided the past couple family get togethers because I just can't face the fact of my own reality. It has made me feel guilty, but my fears have kept me away. I know this isn't the right thing to do.

I would go to this one, stay for as long as you can take it and then leave.

I am always the first one there and first one to leave. I always use my dogs as excuses to leave, I figure 3-4hrs of me is enough for anyone.

Good Luck

deleted_user 07/17/2008

Oh, spend some time with them... I ignore mine most of the time... ok, that isn't true. My sister and I have gotten closer over the last year since my diagnosis.

My brothers... eh, they are a lot older than I am, 14 and 15 years... that is a long time. I just don't really care... and don't even get me started on the inlaws... they are some seriously crazy people.

deleted_user 07/18/2008

I am just like you with my relatives. I like seeing them, BBQ maybe, talk a little but that is it. I gotta go home, or go to my hotel if I am visiting them for a little bit.

I know if I stay around them I will say something that will hurt someone. Or worst is me getting intrusive thoughts, then ruminating, then depression.

Don't get me wrong, they do things which hurt me also. But I get suicidal when that happens.

deleted_user 07/18/2008

I spend a lil time with my family. My parents are dead. One of my brother in laws makes passes at me when we visit. He know I have "issues" when I'm manic. I am so freaked out. My sisters love/hate me. My in-laws - that is a frightening disaster. I have horrible panic attacks.
I prefer to stay home and isolate.

deleted_user 07/18/2008

my family is mean and sadistic.
Therefore I now avoid them.

Otherwise I would love to spend time with family, and don't understand people like you.

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