I was in an excellent program and one of the things they encouraged was educating family members and significant others through family sessions and informal informational seminars. My boyfriend has experience as a psychologist and he found meeting my therapist beneficial. My two sons are in their late 20s and work in high risk professions and still I protect them. I kept them at a distance so they would not know how bad things were. This was a mistake. The eldest stopped by unannounced on a day I was so bad I was considering hospitalization. He was wonderful and I soon felt must better. However he and his brother (he ratted me out) are now extremely concerned and uncertain if they should trust what I tell them. I am fortunate that both are with women who work in the mental health field and can help them understand the illness. They are beginning to appear less anxious.

Until I read your post I had forgotten how stressful it was in the weeks preceding the breakdown. The constant pressure to perform as you had in the past. Dealing with the frustration and confusion of coworkers. I didn't know what was happening to me and even if I did I'm not sure I would have shared it with my coworkers. (I lost my job anyway.) I wish I had used your honest and direct approach with my immediate and extended family. I am now. Take care and thanks for sharing your experience.