[jack123]

My mom is coming tomorrow. This never seems to be good for me. She tries to be supportive but at the same time she doesn't get it. She does not understand my bipolar disorder nor the other psychiatric problems that I have. Usually her advice only angers me. I havent worked in 2 months now and I am just beginning to feel like I am functioning again. (started on zyprexa). She does not understand that it is impossible to function at work when my symptoms are not in control. Oh well.

[Moose2]

You should let her know that while her advice is well-meaning, it upsets you and is a trigger. Has she read on books on BP or ever been to a DBSA meeting? Going to the DBSA meetings really helped me understand/be supportive/cope with my boyfriend's BP disorder. They can help her support you in a more "productive" way.This doesn't have to be an "oh well" situation. I think that many family members are lost in understanding BP disorder because it involves such a broad spectrum of emotions and triggers. And it is hard for anyone who copes with it to truly explain it. Best of luck!

[wing]

Can you limit her visits, jack? If she doesn't stay long, maybe you can just get thru the visit without even talking about the BP. I don't waste my breath on people who don't want to understand, even family.

jack123 Good luck. Good idea from Moose2. It's good for someone to be informed, especially about things not to say. If she takes it to heart, even if she doesn't really understand (and really, people who don't have it never can truly understand), it could help matters considerably.

Again, good luck, and let us know how it goes, ok?

[jack123]

Thanks everyone for the advice. She left and it went ok. She just is full of advice of which she doesn't understand. My mood is a little depressed now. Not sure which direction my life is going to take. I have lived alone for so long and been independent, now I just feel like it is slipping away. Trying to take it one day at a time.