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sarahsweets · Feb 18, 2019, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tecomsin

Hi Everyone

I thought about trying out al anon as a way to heal. My father is and was an alcholic bipolar so he is my qualifier for that 12 step program. I tried a few meetings but at the last one I got disillusioned that I would fit into that group.

One of the old timers started disparaging one of her relatives who she said was mentally ill. Then she added that 'of course, mentally ill people don't relate to others the same way the rest of us do'.

The words still echo in my mind... the rest of us. Us vs. them.

I wondered how many others sitting at the table also had a mental illness. I realized it was not the place for me. They discourage what they call 'crosstalk' so there is no way to bring something like that up. Besides who would come out of the closet with their mental illness in such an environment.

Has anyone with bipolar had a good experience with al anon?

I am in AA... and i cant stand when that subject comes up and the old timers get going.... there is NOTNING anywhere in any literature that talks about mental illness in a bad way or discourages use of medication. But some of these people get up on their high horses and announce that doctor's are evil and it all comes down to willingness. BULL *****. In fact very often in literature its mentioned that we are not doctors and you should trust in your doctors for your healthcare, mental and physical and work on the not drinking with people from AA. I'm guessing the same would apply for al-anon. Its so discriminatory to people. I have no issue going up to whoever after a meeting and letting them know how I feel about it. F**K THEM.