Family doesn't believe I am bipolar

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-04-2003
Family doesn't believe I am bipolar
3
Tue, 11-30-2004 - 5:49pm

It was okay when I just had depression, but now that I have been rediagnosed as bipolar, they don't belive it. To me it makes a lot of sense, but I have been really good at hiding my mania and now they don't belive me. My depressions are a lot worse, but I always knew that my mood swings were not right. Anyone else have this problem? I just need some friends and don't want to feel so alone.

Kristin

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Wed, 12-01-2004 - 12:29am

Kristin,


This is a real common problem, too--it's like depression is not "mentally ill" there's been so much written about it, but there is not as much commonly known about BP except the really weird stuff that people see on tv--so it's natural for them to want to deny it.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2004
Wed, 12-01-2004 - 8:07am
Kristin--My husband refused to admit that bipolar even exists. He saw some of my struggle but, I hid most of it from him. He doesn't think I need to take medication and he refuses to learn anything about it. He doesn't try to tell me not to go to the doctor and he's learned not to give me a hard time about my meds. However, I get absolutely no support from him. My mom is supportive (her brother is bipolar) but she lives 1800 miles away from me. I found this board and they have been my support system when I need it and I've been able to help people (I hope) which feels good as well. :) Welcome to the board and please don't expect your family to change. They may not. You can try to provide them with information but, sometimes they just refuse to see the truth. You are trying to accept your diagnosis and get help and that is great. Amanda
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 12-01-2004 - 9:45am

When I was first dx'ed, I'm not sure if my family really believed me either. Then I got REALLY manic, then really psychotic, and ended up in the hospital...my dh came in to talk to my counselor in the hospital, and realized I was CLASSIC bipolar and has been totally supportive ever since. My parents have been too. My friends, not so much. Lost most of them. But I gained more REAL friends, that I truly LOVE and count on, here on this board mostly, that know what I go through and believe me when I say I'm feeling not so good...or that I'm feeling way toooooo good...:)

Hang with us...we'll be your friends...and we believe you...don't listen to anyone say anything negative about you or your illness. I'm proud of you for being strong enough to get your dx and get the help you need!

Hugs,

Keli