Bipolarity and Friendship
Since school I find very hard make friends and I didn't know why. Now as bipolar I'm have the same lack of confidence about people in general. Sometimes I think that people get distance because my weirdness. Otherwise I don't make an effort to make the friendship goes beyond classroom or Internet because I think that I will feel very out of place, not know what say... I believe that some people like me but don't trust them even telling personal things to they. It's very sad...
Did you feel that?
@june27th
I can't say I know what it's like to be bipolar, but I do know what it's like to have bipolar friends; they are loved just as much as anyone else is, whether or not they struggle with the disorder. Remember that being bipolar does not define you - just be yourself and people can accept you <3 I hope that you can become more comfortable with yourself. When you're ready, you'll be able to open up more. Stay strong.
My best friend is bipolar, I love her for everything she is, not just her condition. She really tries to keep her emotions in balance, but I can see that is hard, and I understand. The one thing that she always does is TELL me when she is feeling manic or depressed so I can mentally prepare to listen and be there . I ususally know anyway, but it helps remind me to not take her words personally,
Letting people know is not anything to be ashamed about - you can still have and be a good friend.
@june27th
I can relate a lot to this feeling. Even before I knew I had bipolar disorder, I did know that I had PTSD and acted unusual and it still makes it really difficult to let people get close to me. I still behave strangely in public at times, and in social situations. I think the best thing for me has been working on self acceptance so that I feel comfortable with myself even if other people do not. Also, in my hometown, I made other friends who struggle with bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other things like BPD. When we spend time together, I find that I can talk very openly about symptoms, medicines, therapy, doctors, and even hospital stays. Not only will I not be judged, but I am talking with people who truly understand and have been there. That is probably what made me feel most normal and most human. Everyone deserves to feel human.
@june27th Also, I find that sometimes it helps to work on a friendship with one or two people at a time so you can take it in small increments. And defining your own boundaries ahead of time can help, too.
