Hi Myzen

I agree with you. It seems that most sufferers have alot in comon including some member of the family either not being supportive or some that fail to recognize mental illness at all. It is unfortunate because I think for the most part, we are looking to share our experience and receive comfort and that just doesnt happen. This makes the situation worse.

It took me a long time to really open up to my mother about my illness. With the help of my step father and confronting the past, my mother and I have started anew. Each with understanding about our pasts and I honestly feel that she cares and supports me. I was extremely fortunate as I know that others do not get the closure they need.
As far as my father is concerned........well he is another story. I have such a love hate relationship with him and my feelings are so mixed up that half the time I dont know how to feel. He too suffered from anxiety attacks. He used to identlify with me in the beginning. As I started my therapy and things were "revealed" or things were brought to the forefront, he withdrew from me and, well, I suspect that our relationship with never, ever recover or be "normal". He has a hard time facing up to the abuse he inflicted and his continued need to blame me for certain things. For the most part, I have come to tolerate his position and most of the time I can just forget he exists. Other times it brothers me to no end. He will not give me closure. This is very hard for me to accept.

As for my sister. I am not sure how to handle her. I know what I need to do, but, I never expected her to be turning her back on me. We grew up in the same environment so she fully understands the hell we both lived in. There are things that she has confided in me that I thought would bring us closer but I guess that is simply not the case. I guess that is why I am having such a hard time with this. Or at least part of the reason anyway.

I am looking forward to getting back into therapy so I can understand her behavior and maybe move past it. I just dont see that happening anytime soon.

She called the house again this morning. I answered. I know, I know, I know, I must be a glutten for punishment. She was asking me something about health insurance (this has been my line of work for the last 10 years or so). I told her I wasnt exactly sure because laws and insurance coverages vary state by state and I advised her to contact her insurance company directly. I dont thinkshe really likes that because she got off the phone very abruptly. Oh well, I cant win.