yes, I can relate. Just 'suck it up' or 'just decide not to be depressed', lol. WOW, I never thought of that.

Its hard to accept but its ignorance, as in they aren't educated regarding mental illness. They don't understand and you can't make them understand because they don't live it. Depression or mania, they have no reference point.

Educate those who are willing and realize that no one is within your control. You cant control their actions but you can try to control your reaction. If you accept that they really don't understand, it becomes much less stressful for you. And no, I can't always do that and sometimes I just get pissed off. Just let it go. ( Now I'm doing it ;) )

sometimes I think it is just so obvious though. Why would any of us act the way we do if it is controllable. It is our own misery. I have even been told I am selfish. I really am not selfish I just feel that I am the only one who looks out for me and tries to protect my mental state. I feel like everyone tries to trigger me it is like they laugh in my face. I have been trying to be strong and not let others get to me, but I think the selfish onees are those who can't see the obvious and be supportive.

Oh boy Can I relate. My whole life has been like that. I'm 46 yrs. old and was just diagnosed as bipolar 5 yrs ago. When I was about 10 yrs old I can remember my dad telling me if I get sick He will put me out beside the road. Not a good thing to say to someone already sick Now most of my family is very supportive. They are still trying to understand but at least they are trying.

becky
oooo what a horrible thing to say. I am glad they are supportive now though. My parents used to tell me...if you think life's hard now wait till you get in the real world. Then they would tell me to run away so i get a taste of what life really is like. They wanted me to run away. I have a hard time communicating what i need from those I love sometimes.

one minute i'm laughing, and so happy, but by nightime, im depressed. yes it is a roller coaster, every day of my life.

I've heard those words before, that I am acting crazy or to just stop. My mom used to tell me to "just think positive". I know she meant well, but she didn't understand that thinking positive is just that, positive thinking. It doesn't make the pain, anger or sadness go away when you are in a bipolar low. If anything, I found it made me feel worse because I didn't know why I couldn't feel better.I have been diagnosed with repid cycling bipolar. the meds have slowed down the cycles, but I still experience them. I am new to meds and they haven't been fully tweeked yet.

Let me touch and I'll let you know how it feels ?

:-)