[lonesufferer]

Within the last couple months, I was finally correctly diagnosed with bipolar and PTSD after 16 yrs of occasionally seeking help. Since I was 18, I went to a psychiatrist every few years trying to get help when things got so bad my daily functioning was visibly impaired. Each one quickly diagnosed me with depression and anxiety, the meds they prescribed of course bringing me from depressive to manic state would make me feel better for a little while.

After seeing the 5th doctor over the last 16 years of my life, what she said made sense finally and upon researching at home I am 100% convinced I finally have an accurate diagnosis.

Unfortunately, even after opening all my past wounds and secrets to help my family understand this diagnosis, they are all in denial. So, when I need them to support me by pushing for me to keep with the meds or make it to my follow-up appointments even, they do the opposite.

I have googled and searched it worded every which way I can but cannot find any tips on helping THEM get over this! A support system is crucial to me finding balance and maintaining a healthy frame of mind. I feel completely alone and cannot talk about it to anyone...it's gotten so bad I even hesitate with maybe a different friend or relative because I can't go through revealing all the suffering again and again, only to be basically mocked, being told I should simply use "mind over matter" and "pull myself together".

I am a stay at home mom of three, one with special needs...I am doing my very best to in fact "pull myself together", only now battling severe depression because of this huge disconnect that was already there as I had trouble relating to others because of my daily life in general. Adding that to my loved ones refusing to accept this mental illness has pushed me to the edge and I am really feeling myself slip.

Does anyone have any advise or tips on how to get them to accept this? I feel worse each day because I exposed myself in all areas, becoming very vulnerable, discussing sexual activity in late teens for example. I disclosed the truth about who I have been in order for them to understand, only they refuse to accept and now just think I made a lot of bad choices over the years. Please help!!!!

[hvert]

I think you should find some other support system for helping you stick with your meds/appointments/balance ASAP. Your family may come around in time, but you need help now and can't wait for them to get their act together, especially if you have three kids at home.

Your job is to take care of you and your kids, not to help your family deal with reality. It's really a shame that they are putting you in this bad position. You know that you have finally found an explanation and it may take time for them to accept that. I would just take a step back from them and their hurtful comments for a bit, if possible.

[~Christina]

I agree with Hvert. .

You cant make people supportive. Maybe print out some info off the internet and leave it on there table.

Do you have a Therapist ? If not please find one .. They are able to teach you coping skills that will help you stay on track and reinforce the need for taking meds on time etc...

We have a Bipolar forum that could really help you feel not so alone, it's nice to have people to talk to that wont judge and have probable been in your shoes many times..

Bipolar - Forums at Psych Central

Welcome to PC

[Secretum]

When I first asked for help, my family was in denial. 3 years later, when I sought help myself and received a diagnosis, they didn't believe me. Like your family, they tried to discourage me from taking meds. They are more understanding now, more because I showed them my symptoms as they were happening. I don't have the courage to talk about the past, haha. But I was able to stop hiding my depression by faking a smile, and then they got it.

Now my mom still tries to get me off my meds, but that is just because she thinks they're causing my physical symptoms. So, she is still in denial, this time over me having a medical condition rather than side effects.

[lilypup]

First off, I don't reveal any of my manic behavior that is embarrassing to anybody. It would make me super uncomfortable to know that they know.
You've got to build a friend network. Maybe some other mothers of special needs kids?
If you need more info on making and keeping friends, pm me. I did a blog entry on it. Hugs to you!