Well even though I've been dx with PTSD I still don't really understand it so I can't comment on that side of things. I do have BP and BPD though which make things rather hectic at time.

One thing I did learn about rejection though is that "no" is a powerful word but it doesn't necessarily mean that the person is rejecting YOU when they say it, but rather they are rejecting what you SAID...there's a big difference between the two and often people don't understand that or seem to combine the 2 together and end up thinking that they are being rejected as a person.

hmm.. i agree with melsande that "no" doesn't have ot mean that someone is rejecting you. truly there are so many factors that go in to successful dating, the older we get the more it goes beyond just "do you like me or not". i know it's easier said than done but try not to take it too personally.

and, dating is hard for everyone! i think being active in one's own projects and goals, makes other people/guys' opinions less paramount. and makes perceived rejection easier to deal with. my personal strategy is to always have a new project or goal on the horizon. that way when i'm let down i can move on the next thing without having to spend too much time sitting with my blown out ego.

I think educating yourself on the traits and signs of your disorder can be very helpful in identifying what triggers you so that you can implement the necessary coping mechanisms to assist you in how you respond to things/events and I think that's the key to lessening the trigger response (in my opinion).

DBT (also known as cognitive therapy) can be a great aid for this kind of thing. However like everything...some people find it helpful and others do not respond well to it but it's worth a go.

There is a PTSD Community here on DS. It's a GREAT Community!

Look under Anxiety Disorders section in the commmunities mental health section and you'll find it there.

Check out - www.sidran.org - for some great info on PTSD.

PTSD DOES affect relationships...but through healing...you can hopefully get things under better control...and med mgmt.

Things get easier the further down the Healing road you get....but you will probably always be bothered by some things...but they will have less impact once you learn how to manage them and find meds that work better for you.

We talk about a lot of this stuff in PTSD...we'd love to have you over there too!

There are books...come check out our recommendations section on PTSD.

I am reading Invisible Heroes by Belleruth Naparstek right now.
Check out her website at www.healthjourneys.com

She also has a set of CD's that feature guided imagery and relaxation...bundled in a Healing Trauma pack...I plan on getting that soon.

I got that book off half.com for WAY WAY less than retail.

There is Hope in Healing!

Also, BTW...I don't know how long you have had the Bipolar diagnosis....but when I was diagnosed with PTSD....my Pdoc told me that PTSD can LOOK like Bipolar...a LOT of the symptoms are the same...and is treated a lot like bipolar as well with mood stabilizers and other meds too.

My initial diagnosis was PTSD vs Bipolar 2...but through Neuro-Psych Testing, it was found I am NOT Bipolar...it's ALL PTSD.

Just a thought I would throw out there.

Though, you can also have PTSD and be Bipolar too...

Thank you for all your comments. I found them very helpful. I want to get better...I just didn't know how.

I agree that you should look it up .triggers can be extremely important.A noise,a smell, even a scene unfolding in front of you.Knowing is winning the first battle