[anna2468]

I can't tell my family about my BPD and CPTSD because any time I mention I'm slightly depressed, or that I'm in therapy, or on medications, I either get smirked at and ignored, laughed at, or yelled at because I'm a "ridiculous person" and "my life was perfect."

I know my emotional disregulation has caused them to disregard me in the past, but in recent years I've worked really hard to be reasonable. I don't lash out anymore and I'm actively working on being a better person all around.

Yet in the last couple of months, I've tried to rationally confide in some family members about how much I'm struggling, and still they laugh and taunt me. Which sometimes forces me to lash out, because I don't see any logical reason why they don't believe/care about what I'm going through (literally ever.)

I'm wondering, how do you guys cope with not having a support network? I'm in therapy, and I've done the group therapy thing, but I'm specifically wondering, how do you cope with knowing that your family don't care about your mental illness?

[giddykitty]

Sorry that I do t really have an answer. My folks are supportive, but my Dad, for instance, thinks I'm fine how I am. Sometimes this makes it really hard to think about the choices I've made and what I've chosen to love, but I have to remember that I chose some pretty good things and I want to be good/healthy for those choices, not just what my Dad thinks is ok. He's not the center of the universe. Ha! Of course I do love him though, but sorry, he's not always right. Still, I'm sorry you're struggling because at least my Dad cares, even if he sort Of enables me. But, perhaps your family is just in denial, like my Dad was. Maybe in time yours will come around. Best wishes!

[PsychoPhil]

I think it's quite common for abusers to not acknowledge their close relatives' mental health issues, especially if a causal connection is probable.

I heard comments from relatives I got what I deserved because I was always a difficult person, and countered that our family dog also happened to always have been a difficult dog, which was if course all his fault [/sarcam mode off].

[technigal]

If my dad was still alive.... he was very unsupportive of me until 2 days before he died. Too little, too late. I have a wonderfully supportive husband. We have been together 17 years now.

[avlady]

I was abused verbally when I first noticed I was mentally ill to a certain degree. I found out i was schitzophrenic, and i told my best friend i thought i was even before a diagnosis. She told me bluntly i was making it up in my head and it was all in my head. Well she was right, it was in my head, my brain disorder. Never saw her again, good riddens to her!!! My family called me a vegetable for three years as i was bedridden from a car accident, actually i was hit walking across the street and was hit by a van, hit my head on the ground 5 times trying to get up. I was put in a home and psych wards from there. I am on meds now, they help greatly, but i have a hard time getting up in the morning as i have degenerative disc desease too. I also have hypothyroidism. I am sorry if i rewrote this as I may have told people this before but it still causes me pain and not sure if it will ever go away.

[graystreet]

Yes. They completely shut off whenever I tried to explain it. They barely accept my uncle’s bipolar diagnosis. My aunt thinks my mother is “paranoid schizophrenic.” Nope, she’s bipolar with a side of BPD, but my aunt refuses to listen to what a personality disorder is. My dad’s side, with whom I’ve just come into contact in the last 5 years, thinks I make a choice to be the way I am, and totally disregards the connection between a childhood with my mother (I have a different mother than my sisters) and my current mental state.

I made the choice to distance myself from my family for my own mental health.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by PsychoPhil

I think it's quite common for abusers to not acknowledge their close relatives' mental health issues, especially if a causal connection is probable.

I heard comments from relatives I got what I deserved because I was always a difficult person, and countered that our family dog also happened to always have been a difficult dog, which was if course all his fault [/sarcam mode off].

grr I agree...

[Verity81]

My husband and in laws are abusive about my mental health which is why I had to leave.

[littlebitlost]

Originally Posted by anna2468

I can't tell my family about my BPD and CPTSD because any time I mention I'm slightly depressed, or that I'm in therapy, or on medications, I either get smirked at and ignored, laughed at, or yelled at because I'm a "ridiculous person" and "my life was perfect."

I know my emotional disregulation has caused them to disregard me in the past, but in recent years I've worked really hard to be reasonable. I don't lash out anymore and I'm actively working on being a better person all around.

Yet in the last couple of months, I've tried to rationally confide in some family members about how much I'm struggling, and still they laugh and taunt me. Which sometimes forces me to lash out, because I don't see any logical reason why they don't believe/care about what I'm going through (literally ever.)

I'm wondering, how do you guys cope with not having a support network? I'm in therapy, and I've done the group therapy thing, but I'm specifically wondering, how do you cope with knowing that your family don't care about your mental illness?

I hear ya!!!

If I exercised more, or was more positive, then I would SURELY get well.....

my family don't believe in mental illness.

to them, it's a fantasy world that only exists in stories

same for physical illness

Possible trigger:

that's how my grandad died.

he had cancer, and my family refused to give him the treatment (despite the obvious signs)

it's sad really

one day it's going to bite them on the *** and they won't be laughing if no one helps them

[Bill3]

(((((avlady))))

[Unrigged64072835]

I didn't know about the MI until well after my parents died. I didn't tell anyone except my brother, who didn't care.

I knew if I told them my mother would drink more and fight with my dad more. My dad would probably hate me even more than he did before.

I suppose it's all for the best. My daughter and husband have seen me through the worst of it and they're still supportive.

[Candy1955]

Is it any wonder that 100 years ago they locked us away in asylums and never looked back.
I am so sorry for anyone with no network of support. I have my sister 100%, and my husband about 80% (he's got some 'boot strap' crap in his thinking); I also have a neighbor whose sister ended her own life who is very supportive, as is my daughter in law whose brother ended his. Beyond that, I have no further support other than PC.
Please reach out to me or to us any time you need help or just a little encouragement.

[cool09]

My father supports me to no end. I haven't heard from my mother and brothers in years. Now I hear that depression has taken a toll on my 13 year old niece. Maybe things will change.

[palerefraction]

Unfortunately, I understand completely.

My mother thinks that my BP and BPD couldn't possibly apply to me. I think this stems from my (abusive) father trying to convince her that she was bipolar. She is also the primary caretaker for my younger brother who suffers from depression and anxiety, and it is not an easy job to bare alone.

My father, despite suffering from depression, ignored every time I asked for help growing up because I knew the ways I felt weren't normal.

My brother tells me he resents me because I am relatively high functioning.

Overall there is a lot of resentment and misunderstanding in my family. I try to not bring it up, it is a touchy subject for all involved.