[Jcon614]

Can anyone relate to the fact that family members have the opinion that if you just tried harder you could get over this? I have been so depressed and anxious and have not been functioning well. We were supposed to go as a family to NYC this Sunday for the whole day. I just can't do it. I can barely get out of the house now.

My daughter won't speak to me now, says she doesn't know what else to say, and says I should just get over it and I should help myself. If I could help myself, of course I would. I have to go to T today and I am stressing about that.

Thanksgiving is totally stressing me. I am afraid I won't be able to go, and that might be the last nail in my coffin for my family.

Can anyone relate?

[thickntired]

Yes, I loath the holidays! My freaking Mom throws a huge hissy fit if I don't go so it is almost worth going to keep the peace. I take valium before I go to any reunion or holiday event. My Mom also volunteers me to make a freaking side dish of her choosing!! They act like bipolar is not any big deal and I should be working PT or more active in the community. When I was on my 20's I self injured so bad that I had to go to the ER. My parents said it must just be because of my drinking and sent me to a drug rehab?! My Dad said PTSD is not prevelant in Vets because soilders during WWI and WWII were not messed up. He also said how could I have PTSD from childhood because ppl can't remember anything from the age of 4. My dad is a retired Colonel and from the school of suck it up.

My parents also are very inconsiderate about my addiction and recovery. They drink in front of me at every meal, comment on the wine, and make snide comments about AA.

Yes, my hub was so frustrated with me last Sun he was stomping around the house. Never mind I wasnt telling him the minute he left I was planning to go to the hospital! (He was getting ready for a biz trip). I didnt end up going, I saw my T the next morning so I just held on. He did at least offer to cancel Thanksgiving but I figure I have 2 weeks to try and get myself together, its only 4 days and in my case I know he and my mother will help put it together. Its at my house this year only because I'm doing this for my son. I will sacrifice for my kids and this one son is about to be stationed as a single soldier to Italy for 3 years away from his momma. But yeah, family doesnt get it, I do my best to fake it except with hub. And he only gets half of it. I'm a quiet bp'er.

[Phoenix_1]

[quote=thickntired;3397667 My Dad said PTSD is not prevelant in Vets because soilders during WWI and WWII were not messed up. He also said how could I have PTSD from childhood because ppl can't remember anything from the age of 4. My dad is a retired Colonel and from the school of suck it up.

.[/quote]

I'm sorry but your dad is wrong about WWI and WWII vets. Men came home with that they called shell shock (now called PTSD). A lot of them abused their families, because they were taught to suck it up, and the anger would just burst out when least expected, and they'd take it out on their families. Dysfunction in so many families was due to PTSD from WWI and WWII !! I've had 2 boyfriends with dads in WWII. Shell shock for both dads. And it was bad growing up for both of my boyfriends. I'd wouldn't say anything to your dad because he's obviously in denial, but he's wrong wrong wrong.

[czarina1984]

My family sees me as the sane one and that being on disability is just an excuse to be lazy and not have to work. They don't think I'm that bad and that I'm just making something out of nothing. My own mother who is also BP won't talk about it and denys that there is anything wrong with me because I don't get psychotic when manic. If they could only see what goes on inside us....

[Jcon614]

Originally Posted by thickntired

Yes, I loath the holidays! My freaking Mom throws a huge hissy fit if I don't go so it is almost worth going to keep the peace. I take valium before I go to any reunion or holiday event. My Mom also volunteers me to make a freaking side dish of her choosing!! They act like bipolar is not any big deal and I should be working PT or more active in the community. When I was on my 20's I self injured so bad that I had to go to the ER. My parents said it must just be because of my drinking and sent me to a drug rehab?! My Dad said PTSD is not prevelant in Vets because soilders during WWI and WWII were not messed up. He also said how could I have PTSD from childhood because ppl can't remember anything from the age of 4. My dad is a retired Colonel and from the school of suck it up.

My parents also are very inconsiderate about my addiction and recovery. They drink in front of me at every meal, comment on the wine, and make snide comments about AA.

Oh gosh, you certainly have a hard time! I am here to say thAt a person can have PTSD from childhood abuse. I was sexually molested at age 6 and I can qualify for PTSD! Won't go into it here, but it is a living hell.

Also sorry to hear that your family does not respect you alcohol addiction. That must be so hard!

I wish I had a Valium to take, but sadly, I do not. My anxiety is sky high don't know how much longer I can withstand it.

Thank you for your reply. All the best to you!

[Jcon614]

[QUOTE=czarina1984;3398016]My family sees me as the sane one and that being on disability is just an excuse to be lazy and not have to work. They don't think I'm that bad and that I'm just making something out of nothing. My own mother who is also BP won't talk about it and denys that there is anything wrong with me because I don't get psychotic when manic. If they could only see what goes on inside us....[/QUOT

Agreed, agreed, agreed!!!

[Alokin]

Originally Posted by thickntired

Yes, I loath the holidays! My freaking Mom throws a huge hissy fit if I don't go so it is almost worth going to keep the peace. I take valium before I go to any reunion or holiday event. My Mom also volunteers me to make a freaking side dish of her choosing!! They act like bipolar is not any big deal and I should be working PT or more active in the community. When I was on my 20's I self injured so bad that I had to go to the ER. My parents said it must just be because of my drinking and sent me to a drug rehab?! My Dad said PTSD is not prevelant in Vets because soilders during WWI and WWII were not messed up. He also said how could I have PTSD from childhood because ppl can't remember anything from the age of 4. My dad is a retired Colonel and from the school of suck it up.

My parents also are very inconsiderate about my addiction and recovery. They drink in front of me at every meal, comment on the wine, and make snide comments about AA.

I know it is Vietnam, but have you ever seen Apocolypse Now? Pretty crazy movie. But PTSD did exist back in the day! It just was not named! PTSD is VERY prevelant in vets, where does tthis info come from? I am so sorry you are having so much trouble with the fam! Thank you for your service!!!

[Victoria'smom]

Can anyone relate to the fact that family members have the opinion that if you just tried harder you could get over this? Yep my family likens us to "whinny teenagers".