I don't share anything with my family because they don't understand or relate. I love my mom and dad, but sometimes they just don't get it.

Hi bluebicycle. I hope you do feel able to share with a therapist and/or psychiatrist. Of course we are always here to support each other, though I understand there are some things even too personal for an online forum.

I share almost everything with my husband, except things that might upset even him...usually relating to him or certain other stuff. In those cases, I share more freely with my psychiatrist and therapist. I am reluctant to discuss topics that might embarrass my psychiatrist. He is an older prudish gentleman, if that answers the "what". Plus, he has strong opinions like my hubby, which is fine...sometimes, but not others. I'm lucky that I'm comfortable with my current female therapist. My psychiatrist does know me better than anyone except my husband, but he's a bit of a parental figure. There is no affection beyond respect and liking, between my therapist and me. There is affection between the two guys and me.

Of my other family members, I used to share a lot with my mom, but she passed away 14 years ago. My sister understands because she knows mental health issues well, unfortunately, but I try not to put more burden on her. My brother is a dedicated guy, but I must be careful what I say to him. He has very different political and social views than me. He gets quite riled up even if I say anything mildly against any them. My dad...well, I share almost nothing with him except the most superficial stuff. And even that he barely pays attention to.

[bpcyclist]

I share nothing with my so-called "family." They are worthless to me. They wouldn't give a rip if I died today.

[HALLIEBETH87]

I share a lot with my cousin who I very very close to. But I tell my psychologist a ton more. And I tell my dr everything more too..

I also share a ton with my friend from PC

Anything remotely related to my PTSD I save for the shrinks. My family/friends don't want to hear about that stuff. Anything that could sound delusional/paranoid I avoid with anyone not trained in psych. Last time I was delusional my dad slapped me in the face and said to stop thinking that way.

[*Beth*]

I have made such a foolish mistake by sharing my mental health challenges with my family. With the exception of my son and his wife, and to a certain extent my husband, giving out such personal information was not wise. I no longer talk about my BP or PTSD to anyone except my mental health care team (and here on PC).

Friends are a tough call. I don't think they really understand what BP is. With the exception of 1 friend who also has mental illness I don't bring it up. As for PTSD, yes - I will share that with friends (for the most part) because my closest friends grew up with me and they know about what went on in my childhood home.

I find that not being able to share my life as someone with BP limits my ability to be genuinely close to friends and family. It makes me sad.

[Daonnachd]

Well, there's the bit that's against the rules of the forum to talk about. That doesn't get talked about with anyone, though for differing reasons. Then along the lines of what BirdDancer said, there are just some things that are too personal.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Daonnachd

Well, there's the bit that's against the rules of the forum to talk about. That doesn't get talked about with anyone, though for differing reasons. Then along the lines of what BirdDancer said, there are just some things that are too personal.

I am sorry any of us might feel restricted here as to addressing topics pertinent to our lives. This makes me sad.

I have seen all kinds of topics raised here, taboo or not, just not specifically in this forum.

I guess I am possibly in the dark on this?
Maybe someone could PM me on this?

I appreciate your input, Daonnachd.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I have made such a foolish mistake by sharing my mental health challenges with my family. With the exception of my son and his wife, and to a certain extent my husband, giving out such personal information was not wise. I no longer talk about my BP or PTSD to anyone except my mental health care team (and here on PC).

Friends are a tough call. I don't think they really understand what BP is. With the exception of 1 friend who also has mental illness I don't bring it up. As for PTSD, yes - I will share that with friends (for the most part) because my closest friends grew up with me and they know about what went on in my childhood home.

I find that not being able to share my life as someone with BP limits my ability to be genuinely close to friends and family. It makes me sad.

I can relate. Yes, it is sad and I want to thank you for saying so. I know I often bypass the acknowledgment of the sadness. Thank you!

[Wild Coyote]

I do share quite a bit with my therapist/pdoc, or did in the past. I have one who is relatively new to me and I am trying to trust her, which will take time. I do share with a couple of close friends. I won't tell ya what I do share in confidence, as that would defeat the purpose of keeping confidences!

I have one close sister with whom I can share. That is it for family. I do realize I am fortunate to have her..

[HALLIEBETH87]

I also don’t share with my family when I’m
Seeing/hearing stuff or my delusions

[bpcyclist]

I just have to add, as others have intimated, I think it is a real shame that PC restricts what can be said on the site. It harms its utility to suffering people mightlily, in my opinion. I think that was and is a mistake.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by Daonnachd

Well, there's the bit that's against the rules of the forum to talk about. That doesn't get talked about with anyone, though for differing reasons. Then along the lines of what BirdDancer said, there are just some things that are too personal.

I find I am sometimes restricted in what I say, because of both internal and external censors.

I do not share with family aside from Papa bear

[~Christina]

When first diagnosed I tried to talk to my husband about it , but our marriage was a mess and he had no desire to hear it or try and understand it .. so I quit

I just talked to my T and Bipolar friends I have made here

The most I tell my husband is if I’m really struggling “ Hey I’m not doing so well “ he always offers to listen or help. He just doesn’t get it and thats okay , I make Bipolar as small apart of my marriage as possible. If he knew whats going on in my head sometime he would just panic and be overwhelmed with stress.

I talk to my friends that also have Bipolar.