Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruari
I'm sorry you are going through this, RxQueen.
I always wondered about family members of people with MI who were so staunchly unsupportive; my theory is that they too have felt some of the darkness we've felt, but they've always been considered the "normal" ones and are so incredibly afraid to show any crack in that armor, because it's all they have. My aunt is the same way. She has my bipolar uncle and borderline/bipolar mother (her brother and sister), and me. And she is always talking about how she is the normal one. She used to be like my mother, but she never visited when I was inpatient, never let me talk about any MI issues, was always just trying to sweep everything under the rug. As I got older, I could see little cracks in the armor where I suspect she has had her own struggles. I don't know, this may all be babble, I just wonder if your sister acts from a basis of fear.
Anyway, I agree with Divine--it is necessary to limit interaction with toxic relatives. I had to do it with my aunt, half-sisters, father, mother, and uncle all at varying times. Amazing how I don't struggle to get out of bed from the depression anymore...
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Yea my dad has my sister and older bro living with him. My dad and brother are both alcoholics and maybe she fears she may turn out like them. Then again, she cares too much about being perfect and popular and will never admit her issues.
How were you able to cut ties with your family members? I know I need to cut ties with her but in the back on my mind I think "but she's my sister!" But I know it has to be done. Whenever I turned to her for support she rolls her eyes and says "omg stop being so negative all the time!" It really hurts. I can't stop being who I am. My life IS negative lol. I don't turn to her whining and crying, I just need that sisterly love and support like we had before. But now that we're both grown, we've drifted apart and it hurts. I'm done trying. I've tried for years now and I'm getting nowhere. I hope she comes to her senses and apologizes for hurting me.. When pigs fly maybe!
My dad and brother are also toxic for me. My dad is very ignorant about my MI and a trigger, my brother enables my substance problems. Every T I've had has told me to stay away from them but I don't know where to start. They're my family and I do love them. As a matter of fact, they're really all I got after losing many friends isolating myself. I just have to grow some balls!