And the stigma continues

You are NOT worthless! You have this rough path right now, not really any way out of it except to walk it. Could you try to offer discussion with the "friend" in a non-confrontational way?

No blame, no landmines, just "I've noticed my offerings have been turned down in past weeks. I feel dismissed, and this hurts because I value our friendship."

I don't think you're just being insecure, I think there are these things going on that some communication could possibly help you understand what their thinking is all about(?)

[QUOTE= Sorry, also atheism doesn't mean they don't know the bible or our bad w/ kids.[/QUOTE]

Sorry Miguel'smom, you must have mistook my comment as derogatory towards atheists. Not at all, I never judge anyone because of their beliefs-I'm not always sure what I believe myself! My point is that one with atheist's beliefs should not be leading a Christian youth organization. Yes, he may have begun reading the Bible and be wonderful with kids, and he may even have converted; however, the leaders in our denomination are expected to be well-versed in our beliefs and practice these beliefs. Most churches have paid youth ministers, who have degrees in ministry; however, our church is small and must rely on volunteers.

I didn't start the thread to belittle anyone's beliefs, I was just pointing out the irony of a minister, one who is trained in counseling, having a stigma against an illness that is controlled effectively by meds. I included the youth group discussion because I believe, again, I wasn't considered because of my dx. Sorry if my comment offended you.

Bluemountains

I went to therapy today and addressed all of my insecurities. I won't go into all of the details, but it was a good session.
Regardless of reasons for not being included in social events or considered for positions, my t believes I have crappy (she used a stronger word) friends.

How this post (if you notice on the bipolar forum) got a tag for "bashing religion) is
beyond me.

I think you all did an admirable job of identifying problems for some of us.

I didn't feel you were making derogitory remarks, just felt I had to point it out. I'm glad your T session went well. I agree you have crappy friends and need to find a new social group.

Ugh. Who would do that? (I hate that tag feature.)

I am an atheist and I did not find your comments offending at all; it is only reasonable to expect a church leader to share in the church's doctrine.

If you were offended by any of my comments, please ask the moderator to pull the posts. I only was asking for support and explaining the circumstances that lead to my upset state. I never intended for any of the discussion to be about religion. I meant only to describe my own affiliation to make the reasons understandable for those who aren't familiar with my world.
I am so sorry to those of you who I insulted or made upset!
Bluemountains

Blue you did not offend me at all

No offense taken here.

I wouldn't have even noticed the tag... I think we all know it's not true. We're here to support you.

I really don't feel anyone was offended.

oh lookie there, it's a new tag that says "not religion-bashing"

Have you noticed the additional tags now? I think that is great. Kudos to whoever added them.

I think I already said that I didn't understand how the post could have been identified as "religion bashing". I wasn't offended by anything, and I'm glad an editor saw to it that
the tag wash changed.