[Hbomb0903]

I was in a deep dark confusing depression for about 5 months. I came out and was feeling like I used to in a lot of ways and generally like I could cope. It's been a little more than a month now and the anxiety and insecurity, the cognitive decline and the alientation, well they are back and Im finding myself sitting here in the house not knowing what to do with myself. Like I've forgotten how to relax and have a good time!

I just feel directionless after this last episode. Its disturbing. I have coping mechanisms but it seems how to implement them escpaes me when I need them the most.

I was on the med merry-go-round. I don't know... it helped. I'm better than I was for sure. I want to connect though and am striving for it with my family and friends. It's lonely.

[mrsoc]

Hi! I'm new too and joined for the same reasons exactly. I have isolated myself from friends and family and am trying to reach out and connect again. Welcome - I love it here!

[Hbomb0903]

Welcome to you! Im always glad to hear that I'm not alone. I have to keep reminding myself I am not my bipolar.

[Hbomb0903]

How was your isolation triggered? I'm interested in other's stories.

[tipper1492]

My isolation trigger is not personally knowing, face to face, another with bipolar. Thinking the few friends I did have; disappeared after I informed them I was BP. Reading on the net in search "UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF STIGMA ON PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS". Only read this article yesterday. As article speaks of (including much more) there is no doubt the general public do indeed have a "stigma" about people with mental illness. Such includes stereotyping, prejudice, and misconceptions. I know I am negative, and my BP might be part of the problem. I have decided to never share except here. Also perhaps; those in real life feel the same; we fail to relate.

[mrsoc]

My trigger was the bleak black depression I went into for a little over a year. I was dealing w the aftermath of a Manic episode and withdrew from the world. My friends, family stopped calling and eventually went away. I could only be comfortable by myself.

Now, 2 years later and I started to realize how much I needed to connect with people again.

This is a first step for me and I'm glad I did.

I also agree about the stigma. Nobody knows and they never will. People throw the word "bi-polar" around to describe anyone they think is crazy. It's sad but true.

[Disorder7]

When I'm depressed I don't return phone calls, emails, or texts. I guess people feel like I'm shunning them. So little by little, they pull away from me.
Although I also have a lot of paranoia so I'm always questioning the motives of others.

I'm married but I no longer have any real friends. I have some acquaintances, but no one who really knows me. I keep everyone at a safe distance.

[tipper1492]

I do like you, also married.