How do bipolar people make new relationships with all the stigma in society?

There is no hiding the fact that I am bipolar. I take meds regularly whether I am at home or away. Seeing as bipolar disorder and social isolation go hand in hand I would invite a way to experience social inclusion.

What sort of people would steer clear of us and what sort would accept us.

Do you think using mental health groups, facebook, chat sites, or possible voluntary work are good options or not?

 

Answer

 

I don't think it's helpful to have a "them" and "us" attitude. Those with mental health problems and those who don't have far more in common with each other than things that seperate them. People who don't want to get close to people with mental health problems like bi-polar are ignorant and the best way to find out if you can trust someone enough to disclose to them is by getting to know the person. Don't be in any hurry to tell people about your diagnosis, I believe mental health problems don't or shouldn't define who you are. Getting to know your personality, like, dislikes is what a person should be seeing when they first meet you. At times I've taken 3/4 medications daily related to my mental health problems-it's done in private and no one needs to be aware of this if you don't want them to be!

I know several people with bi-polar with brilliant social skills and social lives, don't think you're doomed! I think voluntary work is a great way to meet new people while doing something constructive, and the positive thing is that your employer will likely to be understanding if you need to take time off due to mental ill health.

Mental health social support groups can be great and a good way to socialise and become more confident in an environment that isn't daunting and has support from staff. I've made some good friends in this way but I've met much more people at groups who have or could have caused me a lot of stress. Other people's problems can bring you down, especially if they are not managing their illness and people in these settings can be very clingy. I've found at groups lots of people can have a long history of living in hostels, hospital admissions or substance misuse and their instinct can be to take what they can get from others and use them, especially if they see you as an "easy target" so just be aware of this.

If you want to use chat sites then go for it. Just don't replace the real life with a virtual world. I've been scared off mental health problems because I've been freaked out by users who view a forum as their world. That's not helpful and just makes functioning in society seem more daunting as the person avoids it, and can hold back progression and recovery.