I just read the post "not Fitting In" and had a thought based on a couple of statements made.

When I'm at work, I'm there to work, not to chit chat, socialize, gossip, click in, whatever. I've gotten the impression that people don't find me a team player, they find me stand offish, and maybe they think I feel superior to them. Oh, and the avoid me in general, even when I initiate the interaction. I don't usually attend "mandatory fun" functions, like holiday parties. I'm a very private person and would like to keep it that way. I've also have been bitten in the butt more than once the few times I tried to have more than an arms length professional relationship with a co-worker.

Do you think this is a characteristic of those of us with mental health challenges? I was diagnosed with Cyclothymia/BP2 and MDD 14 years ago. Looking back at the 14 years and the therapy approach my PDoc took as well as a review of my actions and behaviors during that timeframe and before, I think I'm more BPD than Cyclothymia/BP2.

Any thoughts? How much damage, if any, are we doing to ourselves? Have you experienced this and discovered coping methods you would like to share?

Thanks in advance!