Hello guys. New to forum

[RILYSI1988]

Hey all.. I'm from Austin, TX.

I'm going through a breakup very recently, and the main reason that it didn't work out I believe was my bi-polar disorder, I just began treating it about two months ago or so, and my girlfriend was supportive... after a few "breaks", she expressed to me that my bad character flaws that she was afraid of we're due to bipolar (impulsiveness, instability regarding life things)... She kept saying "Because you're bi-polar" like there was something wrong with me, or I was damaged goods.

I hate it.

Anybody else feel what I'm talking about?

 

[Odetta]

Yes, there is definitely a stigma associated with mental illness. I have not experienced it at home, in that I have a supportive husband, but I have experienced it at a former place of employment.

That said, one's mood swings and symptoms can be hard to others to handle. My son is also bipolar (and autistic and ADHD) and sometimes he is quite difficult to deal with. I love him dearly and I'm certainly a committed mom and all that. But I can see how in less committed relationships, that bond may not be strong enough for a person to deal with symptoms.

Please, though, do not take her comments to heart. You are valuable. I pray that you find people in your life that see that.

 

[grandvizier1006]

I'm not bipolar (I do have Asperger's syndrome though). But I do know that feeling where you, in your case someone else, thinks that everything bad about you has to do with your condition, and if it just went away then you'd be "perfect".

One thing that helps for me is to remember that in god's eyes we are all sinners and all imperfect, in much more serious ways. Don't let minor flaws stop you from serving God.

 

[sahjimira]

Good replies. My situation is kind of the opposite.. No one seems to take my bp seriously! Whenever I act out or get depressed over nothing, it's like they think I'm stupid, feeling sorry for myself or why can't I just get hold of myself when I'm manic. Very frustrating. I have to remind them I'm bp but usually just get a blank stare. I guess it's they can't really relate which is understandable... but oooooooo so frustrating!!!!