I'm sorry to hear that.It's an artform.Takes some strength and ability to re-visit the murder scenes without falling each time.

If you figure out a way, let me know. I have been dealing with it for 14 yrs. And it doesn't get any easier. My mom and sister treat me like a kid. When I do something productive they say, "Wow! Good job Mandy, you are really doing good." But they do it in a way that is somewhat embarrassing. And it doesn't make me feel good. I was proud of myself, and they make me feel like a fool. They don't do it to other people. And my mom always makes a point in front of other people to point out how well I am doing. It gets old. Why do they look at me differently, you know? I try to avoid them, to avoid my own depression. Why put myself in situations that are only going to bring me down? I have to sike myself up to see them, and try to be strong. I always have someone to talk to after the experience though. Because it never changes. I am always treated like I am ill.

I hate to say that I don't have any words of comfort because I live in exactly the same situation and I LIVE my my unsupportive mother. It sucks. I try to ignore her as much as possible and say "that's your problem, not mine."

My daughter resents me for the illness and living on disability. She's never researched the illness. Neither has my mother. The other day a priest friend said to me that I was not unique, that grandmothers and grandmothers get along well because they have a common enemy. That struck me as right on.

My mom and BF are supportive, but one one else in my family talks to me about it. Sometimes I hear lings like...Wow she's really crazy...or Wow what's wrong with her...or Wow she must be having an episode.

I try and educate them as much as I can, and talk to them openly about it. Sometimes it works for the moment, but then they go back to their own beliefs again. I just hope if I keep telling them what I am about and how BP works, maybe it will just sink in.

I agree thatbyo7u should really only worry about you, but when you family is close like mine is and I live with them everyday...It's really hard to hear the comments and the constant insensitivity.

I've been trying for 5 years to convince my family ,it's not "just mood swings" or that I will "get over it"

I went to my local hospital,went into their Health Library(I didn't even know sch a thing as a Health library ecsisted)..I'm getting some material sent to me on bipolar,bought the book..Bipolar For Dummies..and I'm sending it to my mom.She finally requested some info ,on BP..maybe things will change for the better.
My younger Bro,worked in a phyc hospital,so he definately GETS IT...but my younger sis ,says it's all a ploy to get attention,since our father died(she always felt I was the favorite..so this is my way of making up for it)
Good luck

Please explain, Pluck.

Mandy, I know what you mean about avoiding them. I'm not answering email messages, I'm screening my calls and I'm trying to figure out where to go at Christmas because I cannot imagine being in the same room with them. The thought of it brings back so much pain. "Kick me while I'm down, mock me, ridicule me, and then mock and humiliate my husband" -- and then send me an email two weeks later as if nothing is wrong and ask me for ideas for our 5 year old for Christmas. Are you KIDDING me?? Figure it out. I swear, she has some nerve! Unlike you, Mandy, Karen and Tony (parents) don't find reason to compliment me. If I want their praise, I have to advertise my achievements via airplane banner. Though, I certainly wouldn't want the embarrassing kind of compliments you get. That's even worse. It's so condescending and patronizing. So where/how would you avoid family at Christmas?

Go help at a shelter.