[LastQuestion]

I get stressed out when my parents ask questions about my treatment. It's not because I mind explaining matters, but due to how they constantly dismiss my judgement on past, present, and future decisions without having anywhere near the knowledge base I've accumulated through direct experience and extensive research.

I try to provide some insight to them, but they dismiss it as if admitting their ignorance is some capital crime.

If I ignore their initial inquiry they react as if I'm withholding information they need. If I only provide them the information they ask for they consider themselves informed enough to have an idea of what form of treatment I may need. If I try to provide the information required to truly be informed, to rectify their lack of understanding on the subject, so as to demonstrate they lack the foundational knowledge to hold such beliefs...it's stressful and in the end seems to provide no benefit to myself great enough to warrant the effort.

I'm not sure what more I can do and could really use some advise about what else I might be able to try.

[Holdingbacktyrs]

Maybe you could read them just what you wrote. I think it could open up some better communication. Perhaps they would be interested in attending Family to Family through NAMI. They could learn a lot about your condition and treatment. Just a thought.

Take care.

[Mountainbard]

Hi Lastquestion, I agree with Holdingbacktyrs. It might be effective to read them what you posted here. They obviously do not realize they're causing you stress, and if your written words could help them see that they are, all to the good. They need to understand, also, that their attitudes toward your bipolar are not helpful. They can never hope to fully understand the condition without having it, and their assumption of expertise after getting some cursory information just proves the old dictum that "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing."

I may be out of line with this, but would it be possible to take them to an appt with your pdoc and have your pdoc explain things? They might have a better understanding of the complexities (even if they don't end up actually understanding the particulars). It's a lot for someone on the outside to grasp, and people tend to oversimplify things they don't understand.

Of course, if you don't have a good relationship with them, and your pdoc doesn't know in advance what your intent is, then this would not be a good option. I also like the suggestion above for them to go to a family support group.