Lived Experience Forum

[Goodgutz]

Hi I have bipolar and I managed it as best I can I've gone to the point of pretending I don't have it because my family tell me it's an excuse and then complain that I'm moody all the time it's a circular conversation that leaves me feeling crazy they don't believe me and never have since being diagnosed 10 years ago it's frustrating infuriating and deeply saddens me that I'm not believed by my only support network my mum and two sisters they just don't get it bipolar is in fact a mood disorder I have constantly been depressed for no reason mania is almost non existent managed symptoms well aware of my triggers the depression is intensified by not being believed my strategy is to pretend that I don't have it until I have to take my meds I go crazy not being believed so pretending is my way of coping and I believe myself that is all I can do .

[Appleblossom]

Believing in yourself is so IMPORTANT.

It is a pity your family cannot support you, but maybe you can find a middle path that honours your own truth without pretending.  I wonder if you have to pretend that it might cause more instability. A mh Dx is not a get out of jail free card, but you do deserve respect for struggling with an illness.  

I hope you have a mental health team that is supportive.