Shhhhh ... No One knows
The silence is defining! I just turned 40 and have been in treatment for 12 years. And only a small handful of people know bout my disorder and those that do we don't talk about it. Like if we don't talk it will go away. "Just take your meds and you'll be all better" seems to be the idea.
My pdoc is through a clinic so I see a different doc each time and the "chatting" is only prescription related.
My best friend and I have never had a conversation about my disorder and I don't see me bringing it up any time soon.
Ideally I'd love to be one of those open people and talk about it all the time but I know the stigma and the problems it can cause so I keep quiet. I teach rec programs to kids to well.... not ideal topic. Even my hubby hates talking about it. He takes the "let me fix it" route which drives me batty. Does any one else have a problem finding someone to talk to bout their illness?
Many people find it hard to talk to someone about mental issues of any kind. The ups and downs of bi-polar are like a roller coaster you never gave consent to get on. I do have a few people I talk to about my condition but I feel like I never really talk to them it's more of just talking at them. I know they care and that they want to help but they don't really understand what I am going through. But lucky for me I have good friends who are willing to listen and still love me reguardless of how "weird" I am seem/be . It is good you are talking to a dr. even if you see a different one every time you go. I know taking meds sucks but over time talk theorpy mixed with meds has something like an 80% sucess rate based on some stats I read a few years ago. Just the simple fact that you are here and willing to talk to us is a good sign. I know it is better to have someone in your personal life you trust and who you can talk to but just being able to come here and talk is a big step in the right direction. I am glad you are here and I hope you can connect with us if with no one else.
@Cindi2001
Absolutely! I definitely have that issue, which is why I started blogging about it. Once I got my words out there, I decided to share it with some people and I didn't take that decision lightly but I will say that it definitely allowed me to feel like I "owned my illness" a little more as opposed to keeping it in the dark.
Thank you for reaching out, and take care.
Lee.