Does anyone ever feel the same way?

[suzirees1969]

Seems like all my life I have felt that people distanced themselves from me. I have perhaps one close friend, but she is not a Christian. I find it impossible to make close Christian friends anywhere. I keep wondering what is wrong with me (other than having bipolar disorder). I have tried and tried to reach out to others, only to be kept at a distance. I even feel very distant from God. I know the way to salvation, so that is not an issue. I know I need to stay in the Word and pray to grow closer to God, but when I feel depressed, I just feel like "what's the use?". I feel so alone. My own parents don't understand me. I don't even know what is keeping me going.

Suzi

 

[amariselle]

I have also struggled to make Christian friends, especially during my first year of college. It is reall difficult when you have no one to really discuss things with in regards to your faith and that. I might not know exactly how you feel, with the bipolar disorder, but I was recently diagnosed with panic/anxiety disorder, although it is something I've stuggled with for many years...so I understand a bit about the fear of stigma and not feeling as though people (or your parents) understand you. My parents thankfully have become more supportive, but at first it was all very confusing and hurtful to everyone, and that is not a nice situation at all.

I really hope that you can get involved in a Christian community somewhere, and have someone to talk with...because we're not meant to be isolated for sure.

And even though it doesn't replace in-person relationships, there are many people to discuss things with on here too.

 

[Soulwings]

Suzi. I may not know exactly how you feel... but I care, I read, and I'm here to support you.

I don't know if it would be difficult for me to make Christian friends now. The friends that I do have that are Christian I have had for a very long time (read: over a decade), and I have a feeling that were I to open up in a church setting, talking about my problems, I would have a little difficulty making friends. However, the church I attend is very, well, not liberal, but open-minded I guess? E.g., my pastor has struggled with stuff similar to me and he got wholehearted support from the other pastors and the congregation. So, as I said, I may not understand where you are coming from, but I'm here if you need to talk. I hope and pray that you find friends with whom you can connect and who can support you and encourage you in real life.

 

[MI6]

Seems like all my life I have felt that people distanced themselves from me. I have perhaps one close friend, but she is not a Christian. I find it impossible to make close Christian friends anywhere. I keep wondering what is wrong with me (other than having bipolar disorder). I have tried and tried to reach out to others, only to be kept at a distance. I even feel very distant from God. I know the way to salvation, so that is not an issue. I know I need to stay in the Word and pray to grow closer to God, but when I feel depressed, I just feel like "what's the use?". I feel so alone. My own parents don't understand me. I don't even know what is keeping me going.

Suzi

Hi Suzi,
While I find it easy to make friends, I dont get close with anyone, especially women. The reason for that is same sex desires that could possibly happen, so I just stay away.
Just keep everyone at a distance.

So no one knows about my disorder, except my best friend, a very orthodox Christian man.

I think some people are scared of people with psychological disorders.

Look at Jesus. For awile, his own family, even Mary, had labelled Jesus "crazy." So he knows how it feels to be shut out and misunderstood.

 

[Sherry92]

Suzi,
I can relate. Dont have any close friends. Even my Christian Friends I seem to be distant from them. I am not even close with my own family. It is very hard. It is hard when people dont understand the emotions that I go through. Alot of times I feel like I have to fight this fight by myself. I am one to help others when they are going through a hard time but I feel at times that no one is there for me when I am going through it.

 

[Sherry92]

Sorry I entered twice

 

[rjmclaugh]

I know how hard it is to make friends who can understands your condition. I accually have the tendency of distancing myself from all sorts people because I'm affraid they will reject me. There have been times in my life when I've acted irrationally around certain friends before and they would either make fun of me some time down the road or they would tell me to tuffen up.
I do find that familly is the best resort though. My husband is probably the most supportive familly I have. I think it also helps to find friends who have been through, or are going through mental trama as well. Nothing quite like some one to relate to. Recently I've made a friend at work who is battling a loss of a husband and we've been really connecting. We both have certain reading difficulties too. She tells me she'll help me out and I can help her as well. I really do hope you find a companions as such to help you through the tough times. I'll be praying for you.