Hi FLG!

Sorry to hear about this!

One cousin has also sort of stopped initiating contact since I've been diagnosed, though others and some friends retain contact and think nothing much of the diagnosis, it seems.

It's difficult if relatives have been unapproachable, ex coworkers have probably drifted apart if you don't work there anymore, you can start another 'family' of friends though? Starting here on this forum, and elsewhere online...?

There's a book 'How to win friends and influence people', and online sites too...
There are books and sites on effective communication, assertiveness and the like too...

I try listening to people without judgement, making aha/mhm-ing noises and this way encouraging them to talk, asking occasional questions makes them think one is a good listener, and they like talking to me/texting. - I try not to expect too much either.

If you have an interesting life you can talk about interesting things too, and not just complain (avoid too much complaining, if you wish happy relationships.) Know who you can lament to (eg therapist, this forum,...) and who not. Some people have a lower or bigger treshold for this.

A sense of humor is a good thing too. Avoid sarcasm and criticism, especially hyper-criticism of 'you always...'. Then again it's good to be assertive and not a doormat or a 'granate'/tank/attacker.

If your life will be good and interesting, with other cool people in it, maybe the daughter in law and sister will one day change their ways too? Did you say or do to them something that hurt them, or have they been only prejudiced against your MI?

Lastly, I suggest changing your username (not sure if this is possible on PsychCentral, maybe ask the mods?) if you want to be with more friends and have successful relationships - language can sometimes subconsciously shape our world!