Bipolars Only Online Support Group

I am trying to create more harmony in my home by bringing my family to my therapy sessions. My dad has gone frequently. My mom twice. My sister has never been. We have had periods were we haven't gotten along and I haven't felt like she understood. She and my mom are coming with me tomorrow. I feel like this is a big step. I want them to understand so there isn't so much myth and the is less conflict. Have you done this? What do you think?

My hubby has, in the past gone with me into my appointments. He doesn't enymore. He says that my mental health is now my responsiblity.(unless I get a new doctor, in which case they have to interview both of us again) He takes me to my appts. though. My other family lives too far away to go, although I'm sure my mother would love to be that nosy. And my little sister would love to have me for hers(shes going through couselling herself and needs support. We talk often.(but she also lives too far away.)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that letting my fmaily into my seesion would just give them ammo in stepping on me under the guise of trying to "help"

Post edited by: mimmy, at: 12/21/2010 09:49 AM

My Dad has come to therapy and doctor appointments with me. It has been helpful as he has given good feedback and cleared the air between us.

I wish you well.

jeff

When I was younger my parents came ot therpay with me and it really helped shed light on how they were always trying to protect me and were walking around on eggshells to avoid stressing me out--except i could sense this and so that 'protection' only stressed me out more! We discussed other things too and it really helped. I think there is a time when family should be there. My husband is not ready to go, though i am not sure I want him there yet anyway. But I also think going on your own is important too.

No way. Never. Not going to happen.

My parents are not the type to really understand things. I have tried multiple times in the past to open up to them and been hurt by the reaction much more often than not. I am not opening myself up for that again. I have stopped turning to them for emotional support since I was about 13 on the whole. I see no reason to change that now. I even had them come to counseling for a little bit a long time ago, well my mom did, my dad didn't have the time. (Nope, not kidding)

We are all living in the same house me, mom, dad, sis. I think its important. Fighting the stigma. My parents have helped pay my bills and I can't move so I think this is necessary for us to get along better. I don't have anything to hide. I think alot of the anger comes from a lack of understanding the whole family deals with this, not just me. I don't want my illness to separate me from my loved ones. Its especially important for them to be able to tell if I am isolating or getting manic if I don't see it. I don't want us walking on eggshells. My relationship with my sister is really important to me.

I've never brought anyone into therapy or psychiatrist's office. I haven't felt the need to. My family believes me and they treat me right, just like any other person. They seem to understand. We don't really talk about it much, but don't really feel the need to, so basically there hasn't been a need to bring them into a session.

Sometimes I feel really alone and isolated, but seem fine. I need for them to understand this. When I am in these moods are when I need there help. It's when the isolation, guilty feelings, crying, and/or mania starts. It may not be severe enough to go to the hospital, but when I get like this sometimes they think I am angry or others do and I am not, its the illness. Instead of them staying away from me I need them to support me and listen. These are some of my goals of tommorow.

I think involving them is a good thing. But, with that being said, you can't go into the situation thinking one therapy session is going to make them understand you and your illness completely. Understanding takes time AND effort from everyone involved. If they aren't ready to to understand they won't, so just take it one day at a time. I guess what I'm saying is don't get upset or angry if they don't believe you at first, or they aren't able to understand the difference between your personality and your mental illness. Good luck though! Hope everything goes well!

My mother used to be hard on me about my inability to get things done ect. I took her to meet my therapist and now she is my greatest ally. It was the best thing I ever did. I am glad you are taking this step and I hope it works out for you.