Within the last couple months, I was finally correctly diagnosed with bipolar and PTSD after 16 yrs of occasionally seeking help. Since I was 18, I went to a psychiatrist every few years trying to get help when things got so bad my daily functioning was visibly impaired. Each one quickly diagnosed me with depression and anxiety, the meds they prescribed of course bringing me from depressive to manic state would make me feel better for a little while.

After seeing the 5th doctor over the last 16 years of my life, what she said made sense finally and upon researching at home I am 100% convinced I finally have an accurate diagnosis.

Unfortunately, even after opening all my past wounds and secrets to help my family understand this diagnosis, they are all in denial. So, when I need them to support me by pushing for me to keep with the meds or make it to my follow-up appointments even, they do the opposite.

I have googled and searched it worded every which way I can but cannot find any tips on helping THEM get over this! A support system is crucial to me finding balance and maintaining a healthy frame of mind. I feel completely alone and cannot talk about it to anyone...it's gotten so bad I even hesitate with maybe a different friend or relative because I can't go through revealing all the suffering again and again, only to be basically mocked, being told I should simply use "mind over matter" and "pull myself together".

I am a stay at home mom of three, one with special needs...I am doing my very best to in fact "pull myself together", only now battling severe depression because of this huge disconnect that was already there as I had trouble relating to others because of my daily life in general. Adding that to my loved ones refusing to accept this mental illness has pushed me to the edge and I am really feeling myself slip.

Does anyone have any advise or tips on how to get them to accept this? I feel worse each day because I exposed myself in all areas, becoming very vulnerable, discussing sexual activity in late teens for example. I disclosed the truth about who I have been in order for them to understand, only they refuse to accept and now just think I made a lot of bad choices over the years. Please help!!!!