I had a family member tell me a couple days ago that I shouldn't be taking medications for bipolar. She went on and on and wouldn't let me speak. She gave examples of people she knew who "got worse" on psychiatric medications. I told her my medications work well and I feel much better on them. She said it's because they are addicting. The funny thing is she is on blood pressure meds, heart meds, stomach meds, and 2 painkillers. She said all this to me while drinking a canteen of alcohol. PAINKILLERS AND ALCOHOL DONT MIX. I tried to point out her painkiller use and she said it was "way different." She talked about how she used to be depressed but now isn't because of her attitude. The reality is she isn't depressed because she's on two painkillers. I also always get slack for taking "too many" meds. But if they work for me, and I feel good, then that's my business. I usually am very sweet with her but I told her that she cannot lecture me about my choice to get treatment. I also said that I am going to set boundaries with her and if she continues to berate me because of meds, I'm going to avoid her. I've been through this medication shaming since I was 16. And then I come off my meds, and end up in the hospital. So now I take my meds religiously. I am happy with my life now somewhat and as a 24 year old family should respect my decisions.