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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princess532 06/25/2007

I really just want someone to believe me. I'm graduating this year with 2 bachelor's degrees, one in Math Education and the other in Applied Math and Statistics. Plus I've been accepted into the Master's Program and Kansas State University to complete my master's and Ph.D. in Mathematics. People don't believe me because they just tell me that people with mental illnesses aren't this successful. I don't think I can fly or smear blood on walls, so everyone assumes I'm just like them. I think I'm just good at hiding it and now no one believes me. How do you get people to believe you? And when I'm depressed or manic, the people in my life just tell me I'm making it up to get attention...

deleted_user 06/25/2007

I believe you...I think that sometimes we need to be validated. I don't think its good for me when friends tell me that I'll be alright or its not that bad...because you know what? IT IS THAT BAD!!! I know that its hard to ignore what people say but just know that you can always come here and we'll always believe you.

deleted_user 06/25/2007

It takes a great deal of energy to hide BP I know you are probably among a group of driven, high achieving students who have a more science minded approach to life. Could you find friends in the psyhchology, nursing or social work majors who probably would be able to understand you better? And as BlondeGirl said you can always come here to be believed and supported.

deleted_user 06/25/2007

You should be able to communicate with the people that don't believe you.
If you apply all that 'education' and 'humility'.
Is that your educated perception of what the mentally ill do?
Fly or Smear blood?
Quite tactless of you.
Maybe a degree in tact? Intact?
And a little willingness to treat the mentally ill with the respect that we deserve too.
Just a point of view.Like yours.

deleted_user 06/25/2007

Does it matter if noone belives you? You will have the certificates to prove it for obtaining a job anyway.
I have a degree and am a qualified Librarian, I don't think anyone has ever expected me to be 'educated' because of the way I dress(young but expensive), my humour(completely wacky)and the way I behave,(always completely OTT)..Lol!

princess532 06/25/2007

It's not that I need everyone to believe me, but it makes a difference when the ones closest to me don't believe me. And, STRUM, that's not what my perception of the mentally ill, unfortunately that's what the world's perception is. That's why I posted this because it hurts when people think that I can't be successful and have this illness.

deleted_user 06/25/2007

I have a BA in Anthropology and a MS in International Relations. So yeah, Bipolar people can be successful. People don't think I have any problems at first but as they get to know me, they figure it out. You must be damn good at hiding it. I can't hide it as well.

deleted_user 06/25/2007

you need to inculcate them on the facts.

i just bumped up a thread with some info on the topic.

and kudos to you!

mb

deleted_user 06/25/2007

Being Bipolar doesn't mean you have to show signs all the time. Its just a diognosis. Like diabetes. It an illness that is treatable.

If someone refuses to acknowlege your extremes and does not educate themselves to learn more about the desease, then its thier loss and your gain.

dobiedots 06/25/2007

Slap them silly! I'm tired of people IGNORING our illness. Wait till they get sick and then walk away.

deleted_user 06/25/2007

AMEN Dobie!

princess532 06/25/2007

I've gotten this response frequently "You're just not claiming the freedom God gives you. You're just sulking. You can talk yourself out of it. It's all in your head, you're not really sick." I tell them that if my foot was chopped off then you would believe me and help me.

dobiedots 06/25/2007

tell them God gave you this illness so deal with it family!
But I'm still partial to slapping them silly.

BipolarPrincess 06/25/2007

I believe you. I am so proud of your accomplishments! I wish others would be in your family circle as well. My advice tell them to be gentle to you, and accomplishments aren't everything people can accomplish great things and still have an illness. I am accomplishing spreading as much love as I can and writing it out because right about now, that is all I can do
hope this helps

Love ya

BP

deleted_user 06/25/2007

are you on medication?

deleted_user 06/25/2007

sometimes we need people to aknowledge our successes...especially when it can be difficult to stay on course with this disorder (i hate that word)

so good for you!!!
and if these people aren't supportive...you need to find people around you who are...they are there...and until you find them...we are here

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