Bipolar Support Group

How many of you out there feel as if your family and friends don't see you as a person? All my kids are grown now & they rarely call or write due to the fact they're busy and partly because they don't understand my mood swings,which often hit me like a ton of bricks. They say they don't know how to be around me when I'm like that. Honestly,a lot of the time I don't trust myself to go to family gatherings or social settings because of triggers. Any advice? I love my family but it's so tough sometimes,trying to cope. My mother was bipolar also and wrestled with the same issues.

Please don't think you have to explain everything. If your friends and family are aware they should understand the roller coaster we are on. We are what we are.

auntie60

Dean

I'm sorry that you feel you must isolate to protect yourself and others. Maybe you could try going out in controlled situations with your loved ones, just a few at a time. You pick the time and place, then explain to them how to handle a mood swing beforehand.

I hope that this helps you. I have heard that making yourself do things you fear cures your anxiety regarding them.

Maybe you could reach out to them on your own terms. That's the way I handle my family. I contact them when I am in the right frame of mind and it's what I want to do. If I am in a mood, I don't answer the phone, I just call back when I'm ready. I let them know too, that sometimes I need time and space, but I will definitely get back to them.

Hope this helps.