[IdoubtIT]

I've been waiting a long time for the opportunity to go to a group meeting with other people with bipolar disorder. Sunday was my first. We shared what was going on with us and then a few "professional" bipolar patients kind of took over and talked about their problems the rest of the hour. I know it was just one meeting but I left kind of disappointed.

Although I'm firmly in the bipolar 1 camp my disorder is such that I can still function as a professional, a husband, and a father. While I should have gone to the hospital on a number of occasions, I toughed it out and that somehow makes me different from the people in my group who go to the hospital frequently and struggle for life's basic entities. I feel like a bipolar snob.

[SunAngel]

Originally Posted by IdoubtIT

I've been waiting a long time for the opportunity to go to a group meeting with other people with bipolar disorder. Sunday was my first. We shared what was going on with us and then a few "professional" bipolar patients kind of took over and talked about their problems the rest of the hour. I know it was just one meeting but I left kind of disappointed.

Although I'm firmly in the bipolar 1 camp my disorder is such that I can still function as a professional, a husband, and a father. While I should have gone to the hospital on a number of occasions, I toughed it out and that somehow makes me different from the people in my group who go to the hospital frequently and struggle for life's basic entities. I feel like a bipolar snob.

You are not a "bipolar snob". You just have developed coping skills that others have not developed.

IdoubtIT: I was just talking about that sort of thing today. My disorder is no less severe than someone else that has gone to the hospital on multiple occasions, but that's partly due to the fact that I have always been incredibly self-sufficient to the point of outright refusing help if it is offered. I've always been that way: I though things out because there is no reason someone else should have to deal with my problems. They are my problems, alone. And yes, I've done incredibly stupid things as a result of my disregard for assistance, but I am only human. There is no reason to be ashamed that you can function, as long as your level of functionality is not a midjudgement as a result of your disorder. I've been in that situation, as well, where I thought I was doing fine until I looked back at the heaping pile of wreckage behind me. But if you're able to genuinely contain yourself well & are able to cope positively with your disorder, you are not a snob. You are a strong, independent person.