|
Jan 03, 2009, 03:01 PM
|
 |
|
|
Member Since: Aug 2008
Location: Pasadena, CA
Posts: 109
|
|
For whatever reason I find that when it comes to specialized support needs, family can be the worst choice. I don't try to discuss my mental illness or alcoholism with my family, even though one of my sisters is a therapist. Perhaps it's because they can't get distance from the personal stuff to have clarity and objectivity. And in my case, I am the only alcoholic/dual diagnosed person in my immediate family, so they don't have the basic understanding of the disease and my challenges. That's why I stopped expecting them to treat me a certain way. There is a 12 step saying: Expectations are resentments waiting to happen. I have lots of friends and "family" in the AA program and in mental health support groups who I can run stuff past and they get it and don't think I just fell out of a tree on my head. I also suffer from Migraines and find that no one - even doctors - have much sympathy for me unless they are a fellow sufferer. So, please don't give up! Look around your community and find people with similar interests and before you know it you'll be screening your phone calls because life is so full. And reach out to some one else who is hurting more than you and share your experiences, strength, and hope. 
__________________
 
We are special in our own way.
|