You are here:

Bipolar Disorder/i have bipolar disorder

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/24/2011


Question
I have bipolar disorder II and I feel that my family doesn't respect me. (I have a husband who is 22 yrs older than me, and I'm also very close to my mom) so I am referring to my extended family.  I've said and  done some mean careless things in the past and sometimes bizarre thinking..it's kinda hard to explain.. but I know that these behaviors haven't helped matters any.  I've just started signing up for volunteering and I Found a cleaning job that is 2.5 hours a week (I'm on SSDI) hoping to gain some respect that way too.  I want my family to like me..because I realize my hubby is a lot older than me and if something ever happened to him..I'd want my family to be around me.  Where do I start?!?!

Answer
I'd suggest reaching out to the family members you'd want to be around in phone calls, emails, or if you're like me and it's been a while since the last time you've seen most of your extended family - reach out by going to the next family gathering.

Your family may not feel like they respect you but what it actually is about might be them feeling as if they don't really know you. Once we get into our adult years we don't spend as much time with the cousins, aunts, uncles, etc as we did growing up and that alone can make it seem easier just to go our own way. You said you both said and did things in the past that were careless and might be difficult to explain - unless they ask, don't make a point of bringing the past up. Usually with family things, it's forgive and forget, but not necessarily in that order.  

Bipolar Disorder

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jennifer

Expertise

I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.

Experience

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.