[rjrjames]

I was an abused child and for as long as I can remember I have lied about what ever I want to stop! I ma a person that believes in God and would like to think I am a christian but christians are not supposed to lie is it possible that I lie because I am bi polar or just lie to lie?

[darkeyes]

Being Bipolar does not mean one lies, one's lieing cannot and should not be blamed on mental disorders. Yes, one can be Bipolar, and tell lies and just the opposite.
People without any DXes lie and some don't.
Perhaps, a counselar can help you find the source of why you tell lies, it could very well be something stemming from childhood, a defense mechanism, or something that developed later in life. So many things can be behind this, sometimes a therapist can help you zero in on the reason and/or causes, and then will try to show you how to get away from lieing.
I hope you'll be able to find help, which in time will help you be at peace with yourself.
Take care

[denise33]

i have bi-polar and i don't really lie. do you have a psychiatrist? i know people and myself have been through similar things in life and you need counciling to get you through it. i am on medication too which helps. the lying can be helped and your past also. i really wish you luck and hope you will be able to get help to live your life

[silver_queen]

Hi and welcome!

I agree with DE that it might be useful to see some kind of counsellor, if you're not already doing so. Personally I don't think that being bi-polar would influence whether or not you lie. It could equally be said that people with dyslexia lie, or that people with depression lie - lying, from my point of view, isn't really connected with mental illness - unless it takes the form of delusions which would technically cause the person to lie.

I'm not sure to what extent your lying is a problem. Is it something which affects your day-to-day life, so that you end up lying about things there is no need to lie about? Or does it happen under certain circumstances?

I'm glad you posted about this because I too have some problems with lying about things in my real life. I've realized however that (for me) it's to do with fear and trying to avoid being judged or criticized. It only applies to my family though. I'm not saying that I am always completely honest outside of my family, but just that I've realized that I can end up lying for no particular cause. I've come to the conclusion that lying can develop into a sort of habit - you might not need to lie but your mind still makes that switch and so you find yourself thinking/ telling a lie.

So if you can work out what it is that might be pressuring you to lie - then it might help you work on stopping it.

Being bipolar didn't make me lie, but my shame at some of my actions caused me to lie about them. When I'm depressed especially I'll do things, rash things, that I don't want others to know about.--Suzy P.S. Then lying adds more shame.

[winnetka]

rjrjames, I don't think being bipolar makes one lie, but I know I have a problem with lying, and I've figured out why I do it, for the most part: I want people to think I'm a hard worker. I am disabled with the mental illnesses and the treatments for them, and I only work part time, so I find myself telling people that I work more hours than I really do. I keep wanting people to think that I am working enough. I also am sure to tell people I volunteer a lot. *sigh* I wish I didn't do it, but, even though I know now why I'm doing it, I still do it.

Good luck, rjrjames!

[Zen888]

You have a choice do the right thing. Bipolar doesn't make you lie.