[Secretum]

I've struggled with maintaining a consistent, positive view of myself since the onset of my illness. I was wondering if this could be a bipolar symptom, or if it suggested that I had borderline traits in addition to my mood disorder. So I did a google search on identity disturbances in bipolar disorder.

I found this:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...order-identity

What do you think? Do you struggle with your identity?

[HALLIEBETH87]

I always struggle with my identity. I also have bpd traits

[Row Jimmy]

I struggle with it as well, perhaps mostly due to my propensity for self-destruction and my need for challenges. I'm always searching for something, can't seem to settle down.

[~Christina]

I have always struggled with self worth, self esteem and self acceptance my entire life. I have traits of BPD as most all Bipolars do.. I was self harming at age 6 and actively anorexic at age 9.

I have gotten better in someways and other times ? nope I am right back in my childhood and trying to keep my head above water somehow.

I have come to accept that I will always struggle with it in various degrees depending on my mood and which way the wind is blowing.

I have had issues in the past maintaining a health self esteem, because I used to believe that people were judging me based on my illness. I maintain a pretty healthy sense of self now, althought depression does tend to drag me dont and put me in a bad place where i question myself and my worth.

[wiretwister]

Originally Posted by Secretum

identity disturbances in bipolar disorder.

I found this:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog...order-identity

Thanks for this .... the work issues are very real for me ...

I think low self esteem and the need for other peoples acceptance are traits of bipolar. They are for me. And no matter how hard I work on them, I think I would still be the same, whether I had bipolar or not. I think the bipolar just makes it more pronounced....

xXx

[Scribbles22]

Yes I do. After losing friends from manic antics, that has effected my self worth immensely. I don't think psychiatrists and therapist quite understand the toll, of trying out all these different medicines, on top of the severe depressions and highs. Hang in there.

[HeartShapedBox]

I use to be an athlete before my diagnosis. Now Im just your average guy that goes through the motions. I struggle with identity constantly!

[Hashi/bipolar mom]

Wow! Great article. I've been doing this since my early 20's even though I was just recently diagnosed. I'm a little bit of a conundrum, I get very attached to people but as soon as they start to take advantage or act like they are distancing...BAM..I'm out of there and NEVER look back! It brings out my insecurities and un-lovableness. It triggers fight or flight.

Also, I was very successful in my career in Marketing for 20 years, but haven't worked in two years and I'm dealing with this new diagnosis and legal issues due to a DWI. I feel so worthless that I don't think anyone will ever want to hire me again, and the meds make me feel stupid. I'm literally looking at working part time retail!

BTW, I also have an altar ego...Rita (yes I'm aware that I chose it). That should say something too. LOL

[Nammu]

Yup, yup, part of the reason I prefer to stay home and not try anymore to have friends. They just leave and then I feel worse. So feeling no social I'd, yup.

Being afraid to even try at getting a job, oh yes. I have 5 years worth of college credits but it's all over the place, different universities, different majors. I live in an at will state so they don't even have to give a reason for firing you. Leaves me feeling very incompetent.

My copping methods have been distraction and denial, guess that doesn't leave much room for having any identity.

[Pearl9327]

I feel completely unlovable and incapable of ever being loved. This is all thanks to my emotionally and mentally abusive father. I'm trying to get over this, but it is so hard. The hardest part is putting away my dreams of getting married and having kids. I'm 33, and the likelihood of this happening is becoming nonexistent. Its hard to accept it, but I guess I'll have to.