Anybody out there?

[raeofsun]

They say the first step to recovery is accepting that you need help... Well is there anything to accept when you really don't see a way to recover? You deal with this newly accepted and widely romanticized disease for as long as you can remember and nobody around you seems to really understand. Or maybe they don't care to because it was always looked at as an inconvenience. I guess that is why I am here, to see if there really are others out there who understand. I barely understand myself so I am curious if I will understand anyone here or if my families intolerance has rubbed off on me.. I'm trying, and that is the best I have at this point.

[samnicole]

I understand but I myself haven’t accepted having a mental illness. it’s very very difficult. it may not be today, next week, next month, but i believe this is just the beginning of our story. Hang in there sunshine 🖤

[Ladybug9]

I've been dealing with environmental and clinical depression since the age of 7. And later in life I found out I'm bi-polar. But I refuse to give up. Am I happy most the time? No, but I have family, friends, my fur baby and my faith that do beleive in me and I will not give up because I refuse to hurt those people! Have I wanted to? Oh absolutely. I have suicidal ideations more than I don't, but fortunately they are just thoughts. Let us support you, help how we can and don't you EVER give up on yourself. You are worth saving!!!

[Lazy_dog_lover]

I am sorry you are having this dilemma decision right now. Are you newly diagnosed? Do you have a therapist?

The one thing I know is that you have to think long term. There is no quick fix. Family might not get you for a while. Sometimes they internalize it as a failure on their part and refuse to even think about it.

We, in the group, do get it. We each have families and friends who react similar. I have learned that I cannot use my A&D against them. I can’t shove it in anyone’s face and force them to face it. I can’t even use it as an excuse, most times. I read and research. I go to therapy religiously. I seek like minded people. I encourage as many people as I can. I help as many people as I can. I have to find my middle ground to even have a foundation to work from when I face shame, codependency, or failure.

I still have weeks where I crash and burn, but ai am so damn stubborn that I always come out the other side.

Find your triggers. Find your activities for relief. Be honest with yourself and your therapist. Best wishes. Be strong.

[Ladybug9]

Do NOT Let family, friends or anyone else tell you what you are dealing with or not dealing with! We know our bodies and minds better than anyone else, including doctors! And never be ashamed if you have a mental disability which is what I prefer to call it. I am not ashamed to share my experiences with my health issues and I don't care what anyone thinks. If someone cannot acknowledge and accept the way I am then screw em. I don't have time for BS or uneducated people. I don't mean to be so harsh but I am beyond tired of feeling shame or hiding their fears and pain because of other people's ignorance.