[unicornlady]

All this time I've thought I was the only one in my family with BP. Yes, there's some depression, anxiety, one person with schizophrenia. But I was confused and alone in some things.

Last night I got a call from a cousin in Norway. 2 months ago he was diagnosed BP1. He wanted to share stories, get advice, talk about stuff... he heard I was BP from another relative.

Anyway, it's the sort of thing that's really exciting for me, but I can't go shouting it to the world, since he doesn't want everyone to know, even if he did it would be his deal to tell, and I don't usually talk about BP stuff except with the people very closest to me.

I just wanted to share with everyone (confidentially), and say this is how I feel about that phone call:

I'm so happy for you, that you've found a kindred spirit among your clan!

[gayleggg]

It's nice to know you have someone you can talk to about it. I have two cousins that suffer from depression and one may be bipolar but I don't usually get to talk to them often. And only one cousin knows I was in the hospital earlier this year. She was very supportive and at least understood the depression part. She lost her husband last year and is still struggling with depression in regard to that loss. I do feel comfortable talking to her but the rest of my family would not understand.

Glad you have someone to talk to.

[BipolaRNurse]

I have a cousin who has bipolar 2, but he lives across the country from me and I only get to "chat" with him on Facebook (he doesn't have a phone). He's the only other person in my family who is BP, so I sometimes feel very much alone. My sister has dysthymia and gets the depression part, but she isn't very helpful because she gets bogged down in it herself, and of course she doesn't understand the manic part.

[Mountainbard]

That is awesome, unicornlady!

[Turtlesoup]

Hi unicorn-I have a couple of cousins dealing with the same issues as myself. It helps to have someone in your family that can totally relate-take care.

[Resident Bipolar]

That should be a great thing for you both, in terms of mutual support of course.

[Crazy Hitch]

I'm glad you're touching base and have this contact with your family member.

[Jayne Marple]

What a great story! For me, things made a little more sense when I was able to "compare notes" with other family members. In my case, I found out that my great-grandfather (from Norway!) was very likely BP1. My uncle (his grandson) is BP. My cousin (BP uncle's daughter) is BP. Another cousin from the same lineage is BP. And then there's me. The whole genetic component of bipolar disorder is very fascinating to me.

[Fuzzybear]