[sophianor]

so, im diagnosed with bipolar for about 3 years now. friends and families didnt and cant understand my condition. ive been ignoring this for quite awhile but i do burst occasionally. to those who have been cured, let me join you. i havent felt normal for a long time and i miss it. starting to forgot how it feels like without having this burden tugging you down.

[vjdragonfly]

It is difficult for other ppl to understand the depth of our illness and that it IS an illness just like diabetes. I have found many ppl get uncomfortable when I mention anything relating to it. Their lack of knowledge on the subject makes them feel inadequate to constructively react to any given situation. It also doesn't help there are so many "tags" that come with bp. My suggestion is to try and give you family and friends literature about bp and some ideas as how they can effectively help. Not going to say they will except it, but it is worth a try.
Do you have a therapist or pdoc that you see on a regular basis? Are you under any kind of treatment plan? Getting "well" can be a journey, but I am sorry to say there is no cure. I have been doing good and feeling pretty "normal" for around a year now, so yes, you can reclaim at least a part of your life. I may never be the person I was years ago, but in all honesty, who ever is?
You can find understanding and support here amoungust us other bper's. Posting and interacting here on PsychCentral helped through some of my hardest times. So keep posting .

[gayleggg]

I've forgotten what it feels like to be normal. Lately I've been too depressed to feel anything. I've had periods of feeling pretty normal when I'd find a medicine that would work for a while. While it can't cured it can be helped by either medication or holistic practices. Good luck in your journey and continue to come here and post. It' helps to know you are not alone.

[~Christina]

There isnt really a " cure" its more about acceptance and learning how to cope with the ups and downs.. The best way to help yourself by learning coping skills and know how to actually use them . Sometimes people around you just wont " get it" Kind of a bring a horse to water but you cant make him drink .. Just try not to stress over there acceptance , Just put your self first .

Good luck

[MagicsMom]

I understand how you feel. I've been BP since I was 14 and didn't know it - ignorance is bliss. I cracked up a year ago and I've been trying to dig myself out of he** ever since. I'm disabled and still have not found the right combination of meds. I went from a high powered job to nothing and it sucks. Luckily my mom is a therapist so my family is pretty understanding but no one else gets it. Especially because I managed it until I was in my 40's. Best of luck and this is a great place to talk and vent.

[LadyShadow]

I know how you feel. I miss being "normal" and carefree. But was I really? I used to drink a lot and I was very miserable even though I had a nice body, a good job and a lot going for me. More than I have going for me now. Except now, I don't have the need to drink every day. Bipolar is tough, but its just something that is a part of me now. I wouldn't worry too much about others accepting it, you have to accept it and try your best to cope.

A great place to cope is here on Psych Central. Hopefully you will post more and we will hear some more of your story.

Good luck and see you around!