Who or what is your greatest source of support for your BP?

For me, it is a tie between this forum and my therapist, as I have no family or friend support. (I actually have no friends, unless you count my PC friends.) Everyone involved in my life has helped me logic through things that have arisen during the most challenging parts of my life. They've also helped me feel less alone and assured me that they'd be there for me no matter what, which is very comforting.

I do have other comorbid conditions, such as ADHD and GAD (and alleged OCD, but I disagree with that one). Struggle wise, I'd say there is actually a tie between my ADHD and BP, mostly because both of them affect my ability to concentrate at work and achieve what I want to achieve. But I do use Reddit for my ADHD concerns since the ADHD forum here is not so active...

My husband is my greatest support, followed by my psychiatrist of 15 years. My last two therapists were also great supporters, but one moved far away, and the other retired. My current one is nice, but there is not yet any kind of bond between us.

I also find great support here on PC. I used to feel similarly about two other bipolar support forums, but unfortunately my friends there slowly stopped visiting them. At one, a bully pushed me away.

I love my siblings and dad, but am not supported by them as much as I'd like. My mom died 16 years ago. She was a great support. Friends have faded out of my life over the years, and it's hard to find new ones outside of forums because I'm isolated in my disability. I had one supportive friend that stuck by me through a lot, but I guess I became too much for her. Plus, I couldn't give enough in return. When she had twin daughters, her life focus changed a lot, too.

My husband is my biggest supporter right now re: illness(es). It is often my pdoc/therapist; however, I am getting used to a new one right now. She could easily become my biggest supporter in time.

I also get support here at PC.


WC

I have Learned the most from psychcentral and from you BirdDancer, intrepid researcher, showing us aha! theories about complicated types of bipolar.
My husband is very giving and steady, but he doesnt know how to react tho I deal w his complicated physical disorders. Have to educate him. However my best friend with a bipolar son w 3 disorders totally gets me and knows how to keep things positive and going forward.

this forum for sure.

I am also a member of bipolar UK, and though they stopped the mentoring service due to funding, the support is still good- and they still run a 9 to 5 helpline

You're so sweet to mention me by name, luvyrself! I'm happy that you enjoy my research results.

That's great that you have an upbeat best friend that really understands.

My boyfriend I thought for sure he would be running for the hills in April, but nope he's stood beside me, and talked me out of so many panic attacks. He's also done a lot of research about my issues; I honestly don't know what I would do without him. My ex who is in med school is pretty helpful when it comes to a lot of things. This forum is also pretty helpful.

My husband , ( I don’t talk to him about specifics , I refuse to freak him out )

Therapist

Close friends from here.

I have received some support from this forum, but also an immense amount of stress due to certain situations.

My therapist is wonderfully supportive - when I can get in to see her, which is seldom, as she is often overbooked. Pdoc is supportive, in her own way.


My NAMI group, to quite an extent.

Besides those, not a soul in this world. Family is the least supportive of all. Husband, all he tells me is to go off meds and trust Jesus. Sadly, husband desperately needs to be on meds and seldom practices what he preaches.

Gotta keep fighting for supremacy with La Bruja.
She will never tame me. And viceversa.

My old pdoc, even the new one though he is not as good as the old one, he is still good as far as potential pdocs in the area go.

This forum.

Hopefully, my new T.

Same with me as far as my immediate family (mother sends unsupportive texts, father tells me I need to get in good with a conservative church - Bible thumper, sisters try to understand, but just don't) and H telling me I need to be off meds though now I think he has situational depression & anxiety & could benefit from therapy, meds or both. H doesn't even seem to agree with my going to therapy either...sigh. I have stopped bringing up any of my MI issues with him, unless he specifically says something.

My pdoc.

This forum.

My daughter who understands mental illness.

My hubby is the bees knees.

My kids are really supportive for a 21 & 22yr old.

My family of origin does what they can.

My medical team is brilliant

My T (that I just finished with , hope next one works out).
This forum.