[amd08992]

I'm sure this is brought up frequently. How do you cope with someone close in your life, like friend/family/spouse, not understanding your disorder? For example: they think you're being inconsiderate and rude deliberately, or they point out your mood roller coasters like it's something you're doing on purpose, they think you're using your disorder as an excuse or a cop out...

I have been struggling with a lack of patience and understanding from those closest to me lately. One certain person called me out for having "bipolar tendencies" not knowing that being Bipolar is something I have suspected for over a year now. I have explained over and over that my moods and emotions are not always something I am in control of, so for that to be held against me is not fair. It is no secret that I suffer from depression and anxiety which greatly effect my moods as well. My mood rollercoasters should be no surprise at this point.

I guess I just don't know where to go from here. How do I get that patience and support that I need from my family and spouse?

[glok]

Hello, amd08992. Ask them to read these:

Bipolar Disorder, Coping with Bipolar and Manic Depression
Bipolar disorder Symptoms - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic