[Nix]

Someone in my family feels that any of my efforts toward wellness are useless unless I can give a guarantee that I will not have another episode. My episodes (before agreeing to treatment and medication) affected the people in my family negatively and probably traumatically. So far there seems to be no interest or willingness to attend any sort of therapy or education for family members dealing with a bipolar person.

I feel that the best I can do is work my hardest toward wellness and taking responsibility for myself, learning to cope with my symptoms and manage them as best as possible.

Obviously ignoring or being estranged from a family member is not a desirable solution. Someone suggested to me that I try to patiently educate others, and that I try to remain calm and avoid negative or argumentative behavior on my part.

I'm just wondering if you have had any success with helping others to understand your situation with bipolar. Do you try to help other people understand or have you given up on coming to some kind of understanding? Are there any things (outside of therapy/formal education) that have helped?

[Mountainbard]

Someone in your family is very, very wrong. There are no guarantees in life, period. As long as you're working your hardest toward wellness and taking responsibility for yourself, the odds are you will achieve, and be able to maintain stability. You can try to educate others, and you do have to be patient. Arguing with the family member will be nonproductive. I've had some success helping my family members understand, but it's an ongoing process.

[B2008]

I plan on taking my husband with me to see psyc doc, though he is patient and supportive he doesn't understand mental illness at all. I think it will help to hear it from a professional and someone other than me. If your people are willing it's an idea. Good luck!

No matter how small, a positive change deserves to be celebrated!

[Unrigged64072835]

My husband goes to my t and pdoc appointments. He probably understands it better than I do at times.

However, education is only as good as the willingness of the receiver. It definitely requires patience.