When I started getting symptoms a few years ago. I was diagnosed bipolar 1. I called and told my mom (I did not live in my birth state). Then she would tell me to move back and I said I'd think about it. Well in the middle of 2013 I did move there with my daughter. It was terrible! I tried to go over some basic info on bipolar. My mom had her back to me. Her husband starred at the tv. I have an aunt that tried but anytime I was excited a little she would ask if I was ok. I finally told her not to mention MI to me again! She just didn't get I could be having a down day without being suicidal. Now when it came to the reason I moved back. My mom wanted me not to tell extended family. Like I just woke up one day and missed my family in Oklahoma and wanted to move back. Oh no this was not the case. I was newly diagnosed and I was not doing well. She didn't want me to say "because I'm sick" lol. I have a older daughter now 19 years old. We were having a hard time communicating and getting along back then. I was first hospitalized after I moved. The second time I was hospitalized my mom told me she was really tired of doing "this". And I needed to ask someone else to watch my younger daughter (10 years old) next time. So I was all alone dealing with "accepting the diagnoses and what did I do to deserve this?"
Now my mom will call and ask how I'm doing but that's about it. She just wants me to say "ok". She doesn't want to hear the heavy. I have to tell her I have limits. I do not visit her often or stay long for the visit. I have four sisters. One on my mom's side. We speak but are not close. The other three are on my biological dad's side. They all have bipolar too. One is on and off meds. The other two just smoke weed to deal.
My mom's husband just started calling me sometimes and check in. But him and my mom are very uncomfortable talking about bipolar. My now 19 year old daughter and I have came along way. I can talk to her some but limit as to not overwhelm her. I deal with most on my own. I do not go to therapy because of co-pay percent. I'm a survivor so it's ok.