Hi Everyone

I have hesitated writing about this topic since it is very close and dear to my heart. I am currently struggling to come to terms with my non-existent relationship with my brother whom is my only family (both parents are dead).

I have been in and out of hospitals and ERs since I was 23 years old. I am now 33 years old (I know I am a fossil!). I have stayed out of hospital for 2 solid years now.

In the past, it was my brother who took care of everything for me when I was hospitalized or went into the ER. Such as taking my dog to the kennel, cleaning my home, taking care of financial matters, school matters,...list goes on. He has even been called out of work and important meetings from the police and/or hospital when I have become ill (manic episodes...etc).

He has requested that he needs distance from me. He said he needed a year away from me. It's going on almost a year and a half now. He only seems to want to see me on holidays and act like we are astranged friends and not family. Last year he mentioned that we could get together for coffee...etc. I am sick and tired of being treated like an appointment in his schedule. All I ever get is one hour and then he has to go.

He says my mood swings are too much for me to deal with. And he recently told me that I have borderline personality disorder. Needless to say I am totally upset with him and very hurt. I asked my psychiatrist if he thought I had BPD and he said no.

The holiday dinners that my brother and I go to are family friends' dinners. I plan on not attending them this year since I have decided not to endure the emotional upheval of having to pretend to enjoy his company and visa versa. He has told me that he doesn't miss me and doesn't share the same affection that I once held for him.

He likes to travel the world alot. So for the meantime, I am acting like he is still on holiday somewhere.

Am I the only one here who has gone through this?