[tmg4me]

My sister and I are total opposite people. I'm more quiet, kind and reserved and she is more abrasive, mean and a very narcissistic person.

We never really got along and when my symptoms would show their ugly head she never wanted anything to do with me.

She told me that my whole family knows I'm sick and they walk around in silence around me because I'm nothing but a sick, twisted, bipolar B****

Those words keep ruminating in my head and I cry every time I think of it. I feel so heavyhearted by those hurtful words.

Everybody is intimidated by my sister that if they go against her they will feel her wrath so they all cut me out of their life also. She has even turned my own daughter against me. The last conversation I had with my daughter was her screaming at me telling me, "you have bipolar" and then she hung up.
Why is having Bipolar such a curse to have. It's an illness. I've done nothing to anyone nor have I ever hurt anyone to deserve this treatment from them.

If I had an ill family member I would be there and support them and help them as much as I could. I could never treat my family the way I'm being treated.

My heart is shattered

[MickeyCheeky]

I'm so sorry you're hurting so much, tmg4me You don't deserve to be treated this badly. I'm so sorry your sister is being so mean to you. Unfortunately the people that are closer to us are also the ones that could hurt us the most. I'd suggest to just cut her out of your life. I know it's hard, but you need to take care of yourself and your daughter. You don't need toxic people in your life. I find it weird that your family is so afraid of her - what can she actually do outside of getting angry? Do you have any idea of why she has so much power? I'm so sorry, please don't give up. Try to avoid her as much as you can. Don't feel guilty about it, it's just self-preservation after all. Have you tried to explain to your family and your daughter what Bipolar actually is? Maybe you could show them some articles or videos that explain what it is. Stay safe and take care of yourself. Try to hang on. You can do this! You're strong, I know that. I believe in you. Remember that we're here for you. We all love you here. I'm here for you as well. Feel free to PM me anytime. Let me know if I can do something to help you. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

[sarahsweets]

I am bipolar II and I thought I was in remission with meds but then on Christmas I had an "episode" where its sort of like a dissociative state with a bit of fugue and uncharacteristic behaviors. I still feel guilty. Bipolar is the new soup du jour right now. Everytime you hear of a celeb meltdown its always " he/she is bipolar". I get sick of it. It is not a curse- its no fun and embarassing for sure but it doesnt curse us as people. Is there anyway you can cut your sister out or stop dealing with her? As of right now its not healthy so why bother? And your daughter? I dont understand that one. Were you very ill as she was growing up? Perhaps therapy for yourself and possibly her could help.

[Jm2310]

I've been dealing with a similar situation my whole life. I hate your having to deal with all that. Family can be the worst! I wish I had helpful advice but I'm sorry to say that I don't. I've never been able to figure out how to deal with my own family. I do wish you the best of luck and stay strong!

[Wild Coyote]

Hello!
Welcome to PC and to the Bipolar Forum.

I am very sorry about your heavy heart.

I know I often also experience a heavy heart when it comes to dealing with family. Your problematic sibling sounds a lot like one of mine. Constant problems. My sister/family does not even know I live with BP. They know I deal with other illnesses and this sibling is very judgmental/critical of me.

I am sorry your daughter has been influenced by your sister.

I think, yet do not know, I might try to work on my relationship with my daughter first and foremost. Do you think she might be open to a heart-to-heart talk?

NAMI has some family educational groups. Do you think there is a NAMI group in your area? If so, might you daughter consider attending?

I am glad you are here, reaching out.
Please do make yourself at home.
I hope to read more of your posts.


WC

[tmg4me]

Originally Posted by MickeyCheeky

I'm so sorry you're hurting so much, tmg4me You don't deserve to be treated this badly. I'm so sorry your sister is being so mean to you. Unfortunately the people that are closer to us are also the ones that could hurt us the most. I'd suggest to just cut her out of your life. I know it's hard, but you need to take care of yourself and your daughter. You don't need toxic people in your life. I find it weird that your family is so afraid of her - what can she actually do outside of getting angry? Do you have any idea of why she has so much power? I'm so sorry, please don't give up. Try to avoid her as much as you can. Don't feel guilty about it, it's just self-preservation after all. Have you tried to explain to your family and your daughter what Bipolar actually is? Maybe you could show them some articles or videos that explain what it is. Stay safe and take care of yourself. Try to hang on. You can do this! You're strong, I know that. I believe in you. Remember that we're here for you. We all love you here. I'm here for you as well. Feel free to PM me anytime. Let me know if I can do something to help you. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

My sister has been out of my life for about 3 years now but what she has said to me has such a powerful grip on me that it's still affecting me to this day. The anger that overcomes me is unreal when I think about how she has treated me all these years and those horrible things she has said to me. She even told me that her life is 1000% better than mine and that I wished I had her life. Nobody in my family knows I suffer from Bipolar Depression, because I was just newly diagnosed but I always knew I suffered from major depression and she just took every fault that I had and taunted me and hurt my feelings with it. I have to learn to let go of the power she has over me because she is still controlling my life. One time my brother got on her bad side while we were out in public at a bar and my sister actually slapped my brother right in the face in front of everyone. That's what I mean that people are intimidated by her and don't want to get on her bad side.

[tmg4me]

Originally Posted by Jm2310

I've been dealing with a similar situation my whole life. I hate your having to deal with all that. Family can be the worst! I wish I had helpful advice but I'm sorry to say that I don't. I've never been able to figure out how to deal with my own family. I do wish you the best of luck and stay strong!

I guess the best thing for us to do is to keep away from the toxic people in our lives. I know it's easier said than done but that's the only advice I have right now