Bipolar Disorder and Friendships
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- čas přidán 20. 11. 2016
- Friendships can be difficult to maintain when someone is struggling with bipolar disorder or any mental health condition. For one thing, we tend to isolate ourselves. Then there’s the feelings of shame, embarrassment and fear of judgment that come along when thinking about disclosing your mental illness to friends and loved ones. I’ve experienced losing friends once they knew I had bipolar depression and I know others who have too. (Bipolar as Love Thief - ow.ly/TbrG306mBGN )
In this video on bipolar disorder and friendships, I talk with one of my closest friends, Courtney. We were best friends in high school. After my bipolar breakdown, I left for college. Two years later, I entered a mental hospital and was diagnosed with bipolar 2. (My Mental Hospital Experience video - • My Mental Hospital Exp... ) I had completely abandoned her. How could I face my friend and say, “I’ve been in a psychiatric hospital.”? I kept a low profile for a year and then, out of the blue, reconnected with Courtney. We have been best friends ever since.
Oh! But I didn't come forward about my hospitalization or diagnosis of bipolar until years after we reconnected. I thought I was helping her, and all my friends, by keeping quiet. However, as I have learned after opening this conversation, I was actually hurting them. When I would go through a depressive episode, I would withdraw from Courtney. This made her feel like an inadequate friend and left her questioning our friendship on-and-off for years.
Over the last two years, I have opened up to my friends about my bipolar disorder diagnosis and allowed them to speak freely on the subject. Courtney, just like the majority of society, had a different idea of what a mental health condition, such as bipolar, looked like. After I came forward, Courtney’s perspective on mental health began to change.
Over time, I have learned a lot about friendship. I realized that I did not take the time to acknowledge or explain what had happened to me, prior to and after my bipolar breakdown. This was selfish of me. I was consumed by my own pain and didn’t think of the pain I was causing others.
My friendships, like the one I have with Courtney, have opened my eyes to a different perspective on mental health. Courtney has learned to not let my depressive episodes or hypomania affect her. My friends may not fully understand my mental health condition and I have accepted this. True friends embrace each other's differences and support one another no matter the circumstances.
Has your bipolar disorder caused you to ignore friends or cause difficulty in maintaining relationships. I hope you’ll comment. It’s an important subject to talk about. Hannah
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Hannah posts a new video every Monday morning on the HealthyPlace CZcams Channel. You can help spread awareness and understanding by sharing this video or playlist.
I'm Hannah. I Have Bipolar 2 Playlist: ow.ly/RR99305UIxg
Isolation and Recovering From Mental Illness: ow.ly/hpiL306mCDB
Thank you for such an incredible open and honest video. Its extremely hard to be friends who someone with Bipolar. Its even harder not to take it personal when their behavior has such a manipulative component part to it.
JC C im not manipulative, no one knew I had depression except my family. I was diagnosed in July after having a manic episode in the middle of the summer, I have been on the perfect mood stabilizer since then and I haven’t had mood swings since. No depression, no mixed episodes, no manic/hypomanic episodes. This is just making the stigma worse.
I think it just depends on who that person is that's diagnosed. I've met one girl who was more depressed than anything and she would have super low moments but then use it for attention and it was .... nuts. Another girl who thought that her shut didn't stink and would never admit fault to anything and thought she was ruler of the world and how dare anyone challenge it. So it depends on the underlying personality. Either one of them was too much lol and I'm ADHD and can feel strong empathy. So when these mood swings hit I would try to act accordingly but it's was just whiplash like a mf. The 2nd girl kept wanting me to go see a specialist bc she said she thought I was also bipolar. This is during a time in my life where I tried to pry off the ADHD title mainly bc I was ignorant on the diagnosis so I almost believed her bc I didn't even try to look into my own diagnosis. I'm 100% not bipolar lmao. Yet 2nd girl kept trying to spoon feed me that diagnosis so I guess I could suffer along side her.
i remember telling my best friend i have bipolar depression he literally told me “ go get up and like go for a walk , do something everyday “lol i left that conversation full of frustration and tears cause he clearly didn’t understand. we had amazing memories but he stopped talking to me when i had another depressive episode. all these comments have made it clear having a bipolar friend is hard but we didn’t even have any bad words exchanged to each other or a fight. it’s been over a year and i’m still heartbroken. i hope i find good friends someday cause everyone deserves friendships.
What was your depressive episode like? Do you do or say things that irritated him?
Every bipolar person should have a Courtney. God bless Courtney. xxxxxxx
It's so hard to be a Courtney. Even though I haven't heard from my bipolar friend in days, I'm here and I hope he knows that. He did apologize but he hadn't said a word since and it hurts so much. All I do is blame myself.
I KNOW right?!
It's nice that you got a good understanding friend.
It does help, Tim. But it took time for both of us to get there. Hannah
My bipolar friends have made it impossible to stay friends. They turn on me in cycles. Accuse me of stuff when I try hang in there and talk so much it makes me have a headache lol.
Hi Fitness Gal D. I appreciate the comment and the fact that our friends and family members face challenges because of our bipolar disorder or other mental health condition. As I tell myself and everyone else, you have to do what's good for you. I don't think that's selfish (in a bad way). It's really practicing good self-care. What do you think about that? Thanks, Hannah
same here, I have one bipolar friend… and she is horrible! she is plain rude and hurtful, she is always criticizing others….we keep calm because we know about her issue but then, wath about us, the other victims of bipolars? they can treat us bad and we just have to shut up?… .by now I try to see her less and less
One of my best friends is bipolar and she was diagnosed when she was about 19 shortly after moving for uni. I've known her since elementary school and we've always been very close even through her ups and downs. They tried to treat her but it took some time to figure out the dosage of what she was taking so she wasn't always "there" but still I sticked because that's what friends do. She then got her meds right and was on them for a while switched uni and moved again, then at one point she decided to stop taking her meds and for that she was hospitalized, still I helped her move to a new apartment when she got better at the end of the day I thought everyone fucks up. I just kept on excusing her because of her condition, because she couldn't help it, and kept on helping her and her family fixing her mistakes. Fast forward to some years later, she was healthy everybody around her was saying she was healthy especially her family and she asked me if I wanted to get into a business venture with her and other people we both knew so I said why not. She ended up screwing everybody over because of some multi-level marketing bullshit she got herself into, none of us knew about that she kept everything a secret, I think her family knew but not a single one of her relatives fucking told us what was going on, she was using our contacts to sell the shit of the company she is now a representative for and hosting "selling events" in our business place. All the people we were having this business with vanished as soon as they knew about that, but I stayed. Still, she had the audacity to "fire" me telling that my services were no longer needed given the fact that I was not ok with what she did to us. I decided not to have any further contact with this person, I explained it to her and she was fine with that because now she's super pumped for this new network marketing gig that's obviously not going anywhere. In hindsight I think I've been ascribing all her misbehaviors to her condition and never thought that she could've been just a "questionable" human being to begin with. But of course I will never be 100% sure of that...
Denise fitness gal it's not that they turn on you. youre close to the Ill person you're trusted to not Abandon that person we may not wanna discuss what's up right then but we wanna know when we are ready or n33d a shoulder to cry on we have 1 that is my opinion I have not bipolar with rapid mixed cycling , PTSD, SEVERE psychotic episodes , delusional thinking , trust and abandonment issues, a Nd audio and visual hallucinations so I know a lil of what I speak on
There are people that aren't strong enough emotionally to have bipolar friends, it's not their fault either...
Just like any friendship, communication and trust are good foundations. Thank you for encouraging people to be open with people who care about them. Practicing compassion in both directions really does help friends support each other emotionally too. So glad you shared this story together here.
Courtney was so patient . I'm glad she came back and understood when you came forward. My friend from high school did the same 10 yrs after I left our home town. You guys are awesome
J Pierre Hi. You're right. I'm fortunate to have her as my friend. Hannah
I can relate. There is strength in knowing others have fought the battle and are awakening! Beautiful friendship the two of you have! Bless your hearts! Keep speaking Hannah! You have a gift of reaching people!
Thanks Robin. I agree. It's comforting to know you're not alone in what you're going through. Hannah
I get bugged when I see people hooking up or falling in love. I've been alone for over a decade by choice. It gets to me sometimes. But, I am more satisfied not being in the toxic relationships I used to be in.
Hello Axess2084. Toxic relationships aren't good but neither is avoiding relationships altogether. I'm wondering if therapy would help in discovering why you were in those types of relationships...so you could avoid them in the future. Thanks, Hannah
Hi Hannah. I know why I got in those relationships. It's a habit. It's been said that you date your bad parent. And I definitely did. I dated physically, emotionally, and mentally abusive women. I always seemed to find them and they were attracted to me. I think it's more instinct than anything else. I'm more content being alone now. It's been 12 years. Sure, I miss closeness and intimacy. But, I'd rather be alone than abused any day!
@@Axess-sv8nq completely agree.
You are so lucky to have her, she seems so grounded and mature. 💖
I enjoyed your story. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2 about 6 months ago. I don't really know too much about it. in take my medicine and see my therapist, I think I've been deliberately staying away from the subject. I suppose I may begin a journey trying to understand my illness, and possibly try to help my friends and family understand me. I haven't told many of them, and the few I have told, I hurry and change the subject.
thanks again for sharing. you were my first video. ..my first research, checking out this thing I've been diagnosed with.
Hi Cindy. Thanks for coming by. I hope you subscribe to our channel. I post a new video every Monday morning.
The one thing I want to pass along to you is that it takes time to understand bipolar depression and all that it means to you. You're doing the right thing by learning about it. We have a lot of information on HealthyPlace - ow.ly/jGGa306vjbL You might also want to check out the Breaking Bipolar blog - ow.ly/H8Me306vjeS If you live in the U.S., most major and medium-sized cities have support groups that meet regularly. You can find one near you by going to www.NAMI.org or www.dbsalliance.org/
As for your family and friends, it would be great if they are supportive. Keep in mind, it may take time for them to understand what's going on too. I hope you'll keep in touch and let me know how things are going. Hannah
Thank you so much for publishing this. It has been very helpful. One of my best friends is suffering from mental illness and has pushed me away and doesn't want to see me. It's been a difficult time and challenge and I've constantly wondered if she was upset with me or if I did something wrong. I've done my best to keep in touch by Internet. I pray for her and us.
You're welcome, Terri. I know what you're going through is tough. If she hasn't said it's "you," then it's probably not; so there's no need to beat yourself up. Know that you can only do so much. A relationship takes 2 people. Thanks, Hannah
I tend to isolate a lot! I have a wonderful world of friends....but it just seems overwhelming on social media sites. I tend to keep away from them, then I'll give it a try, only to find out that I feel like I am in a crowded room of too many people....this disorder has it's creative beautiful sides & mournful depressive sides. It sure is a roller coaster! I have always isolated into tiny spaces to surround myself in.
Welcome TexCyn RV Life and thank you for sharing your experience. In general, I've found that people measure their own sense of self by the number of friends or acquaintances they have; which, in my opinion, is wrong. If social media isn't for you, that's okay. If going on occasionally works, that's okay too. But I do think that isolation has it's own problems and I know it's an issue for many with bipolar disorder. If you're comfortable with it, I think it would be helpful to others here if you'd share why you isolate so much. Thanks and I hope you'll subscribe and join our community. Hannah
That's just it....I think of myself as a burden so I withdraw to make life easier for people. I mean in my mind I'm being helpful but I am worrying them instead. That's crazy making it is.
This is so helpful in understanding a relative with bipolar
So happy your doing this, awareness is key!
Thanks Lissi. I hope you'll subscribe and join us. Hannah
I've been friends with my friend off and on for over 25 years she's had very traumatic events happen the past 6 years her 2 brothers past away tragically. I've been on again with our friendship for the last 2 years consistent I even was the one to tell her about her brothers death 6 months ago. I feel like more often than not she will conjure up or stir up a conflict, lashes out, just extremely combative. I try being supportive but sometimes it gets to a point where I can't take being targeted & a punching bag and being constantly questioned about my intentions of our friendship. She is bipolar manic depressed. I keep constant communication to see how she's doing but the negativity is just too much to bare at times. She thinks I am talking behind her back or secretly have a hidden agenda. It's tough dealing with and understanding. And the constant crying over every little thing
D C2184, I'm glad you found us and thank you for sharing part of your experience. Sometimes, in the mental health community, people will say a lot of negative things about family members and friends and how "they should understand" without regard to how their mental illness and behaviors are affecting those around them. I was especially struck by your description of "being targeted and a punching bag and being constantly questioned about my intentions in our friendship." That's abusive behavior and it's traumatizing and tiring and can lead to depression and anxiety and other mental illnesses. When others are treated like that in a relationship, we tell them to leave - get the hell out as fast as you can. But when someone with a mental illness does it, some in the mental health community say things like, "You should understand and stick by me." Really?! Over the long-term, who can do that? People with a mental illness have to take responsibility for their own treatment and behaviors over the long-term. D C2184, 25 years of friendship and support is nothing short of amazing. No! Heroic. But please remember, don't sacrifice yourself. Hannah
This is the only time I’ve felt like someone understands what I’m currently going through with a super close friend (basically family) right now. We are both in our early 30s (30 & 31) and have been close since sophomore year of high school… she has done some really disheartening things and it makes me feel like fraud when I have to distance myself cause of how detrimental it can be to my well being.. I told her I’d be there for her regardless of bipolar, but also I have to stand up for myself and not let someone treat me unacceptably.
It is great to listen to an open heart. U did a splendid job.
LOVE LOVE LOVE everything you post girl :)
Thank you so much for your informative videos. I have learned some really important things. Thanks for being so transparent!
I told my parents, my oldest sisters, my boyfriend and my best friend just a few months ago. I still fear being judged.
Hi! I totally understand the fear you have of being judged. It's not easy coming forward and I admire your courage to do so with your family. Take your time with it. There is no rush. Try and stay active in the mental health community, it helps with building confidence and directs us towards self-acceptance. Know that you are not alone. Thank you for sharing. -Hannah
Courtney didn't really have a chance to give a word in...This is no hate. I do that too...all about me, me, me. It's probably the reason why I isolate myself from others. I find myself in the unique position of having best "guy" friends. I think I only have 3 female friends. One from university, my mom and a colleague my mom's age. How sad?!! LOL....But they are friends and sometimes it's the quality, not the quantity, that counts. People try to make friends with me and I do meet a lot of people but I'm so off-the-bat like "I don't like you", or "We're not on the same level". It's a struggle really.
People love to talk about themselves and having bipolar doesn't exempt you from the rules. The fact that there ARE rules is more than I can even stomach so....Enough of me....and more about you... (who I think is beautiful and who I think I probably would be friends with ) xx
Roxanne K omg I'm exactly the same!!! I have BP 1 and I have that Bipolar Babble issue when it comes to conversations. It makes me not want to be around others, bc I'm always talking and always about myself. It took me 2 decades to learn how to just HAVE a conversation...and now I have to deal with this. Ugh!!!
Thanks gals for posting ..help people find the light - ( self love ) I don't want my loved ones to suffer in silence
I am having serious life struggles right now. I really need my friend who is bipolar. She abandoned me. She won't respond to texts, snaps, phone messages. I am just ignored. I had to google it and I heard that this can be normal for bipolar people. From the friends point of view it hurts & feels like a rejection. I am going through the hardest time of my life and I desperately need a friend. She won't even send me a one line text letting me know she is alive. Or she could tell me she can't talk because of her condition. To just ignore me at the worst time of my life is heartbreaking. Help me deal with this.
Hello LoveTube777. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, especially at a time when you really need your friend. As you can tell from the video, my friend went through that and it was very painful for her. When we reconnected, in talking with her I felt horrible to know that my behavior had caused that pain. In all likelihood, while it feels like total rejection to you, it probably has nothing to do with that but rather how your friend is dealing with her issues and symptoms of bipolar disorder. I hope there is someone else you can turn to. Hannah
HealthyPlace Mental Health Thank you for your nice response and thanks for this informative video. I subbed your channel. Much love to you.
I have bipolar and some days i just turn off the wifi on my phone and i use my pc instead just to not receive calls from my friend.. but when i miss her i call her and talk to her and sometimes pretty fast i tell her "bye" gently and turn off the wifi in my phone 😅😆😆 i'm sorry for if i hurt her but when ur bipolar u can sometimes not want to do anything and not want to talk to anyone, like depression.. but i do love my friend a lot cause she calls me anyway and talks to me like a normal person and trusts me even tho she knows i'm bipolar ❤
Dear Hannah,
Thank you for sharing your experience so far, you're really really brave. I totally agree, it's really selfish of you to not tell your friends about your mental illness for the reasons that you mentioned in the video.
Keep up the good work Hannah, can't wait for the coming Monday. I hope that you cover your treatment: What are you doing to battle Bipolar 2? did you depend on medications only ? Did you take psychotherapy sessions? or was it a mix of both? Because battling mental illness is really an important subject to cover.
Thanks again :)
The whole friendship thing when finding out what I did and how I was diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar 1 & OCD. Scared away my friends that I had since I was in grade 3. They don't call me or text me on birthdays or Christmas or whatever other holidays. They think that I am a degenerate & half retarded. The silent treatment has been going on for 16 consecutive years. We didn't talk about bipolar or any other disorders back in the day. I had no idea what bipolar meant until the psychiatrist diagnosed me with it. I didn't know anybody that had it or what to do about it.
Thank you so much for this video . Great info for me the best friend! love your videos. Thanks Courtney for being so honest! helps me a lot.
0:10 - Best Friend from high school
0:20 - Breakdown
1:39 - Mental Breakdown @ 19
2:00 - Experiencing Withdrawal
3:05 - Starting to be open about BP
3:50 - Honest Stigma Thoughts
5:00 - Stigma and News portrayal
6:40 - Being Honest about your diagnosis
7:20 - Not sharing diagnosis for fear of judgment
8:25 - Being a SUPPORT
Great video! I told my sister had her tell her family to explain my past behavior. The communication went silent ghosted me. My sister went into denial, did not do any research on it. So now no family. Friends what few I had disappeared, so now I just don't tell anyone and keep to my self.
I hate being bipolar so much. I have lost so many friends. Mostly because I will confide in friends to talk about how I'm feeling and I'm up and down so much. I hate losing the friends I had.. i hate being so alone.
Hannah has great energy! I love your videos!
My 3 best friends about me being bipolar. Not sure what they thought probably i was bat shi* crazy but i know now with 10 plus years each they all understand look up what they dont know. Thank you for this video very informative. Have a great day!
Your videos have helped me a lot!! Helps me with understanding me. Thank you
Thanks, Eric. How has bipolar disorder affected your close friendships? Hannah
I've only just begun treatment. I honestly still struggle with doubts on whether this is what I have since diagnosis is so strongly dependent on if BP meds work when depression/anxiety meds do not. Each video I watch, person with BP2 I talk to, & article I read about BP2 just confirms my diagnosis more.
I just told my best friend over Thanksgiving. We have been best friends for over 8 years and while I haven't know about my BP2 that entire time, I have known something wasn't right & I have never fully come forth about the severity of my depressive episodes.
After I told her about my diagnosis, she questioned it. She couldn't possibly see how I could be BP and I think that has a lot to do with a lack of general understanding of BP; like you mentioned, the most extreme cases are the ones people think of, and since I'm not on the news or generally incapable of functioning in society...it's difficult for someone to understand how I could have a BP dianosis.
I did describe my depressive episodes a bit when I told her about my BP2, but I will continue to let her in and educate her on what it is and how it affects me. My goal is to be more open generally. I think it will really help keep me from feeling so alone with my struggles if I let more people in on the fact that I'm struggling.
I loved the honesty in this post from both of you. Thank you so much for sharing.
thank you for this! hoping to find a best friend eventually!
Lol I’m Bipolar 2 and my best friend has ADHD. Our friendship is so turbulent and crazy. It’s total insanity but somehow we are perfect for each other
same here , im 45 now and my best freinds and most trusted friends are from school. when i was finally diagnosed cause i decided to finally go get help in 2005 my friends were finally able to understand . and now if i go thru a quiet time they understand when i come back to the world and i tell them , i also warn people i know that im having issues ( it helps me telling people ) . i fight it every dam day , some days are better and some worse . but its a constant battle
This was so insightful. My best friend with bipolar just blocked me and she’s never reached that far. I’m not sure what’s going on but I feel terrible that I project onto her when she’s pushing me away. She and I have never talked about her bipolar in depth, I can tell when she’s in manic or is having an episode. I want to know how best to support her when she’s trying to push me away.
Update? Have you heard from your friend since?
I love this Hannah!
Thanks Nicole. I appreciate the love. Hannah
I like this, I'm trying to be a more supportive to a bipolar friend, I use to judge her and take it personal.
I told my mom and friend as soon as my therapist told me it was a possibility. It was mixed. My mom still swears I don't have but she told me to seek a psychiatrist because of my episodes. My friends have been supportive.
This explains so much for me, my bf has bipolar and withdrawals from me. He does the same things to me. It's confusing dating him sometimes bc Im not sure if it's a "gaslighting tatic" or him trying to compose himself. I know he'll never hurt me and I always try to support him, like going back to school. It just gets confusing sometimes in dating him bc he's not communicating with me. He's very inconsistent, but I don't know if that's bc of that bipolar, or just him. I know he tries, he is capable of keeping a job for a very long time. Not to mention that he is very persistent in his academic goals, even though he says to me that "he has no goals"?? I'm trying really hard to be patient with him, and understand him, but I'm not sure if I'm being too nice to him, or I'm finding reasons to justify his actions???
i relate to this so much. Thank you for being so vulnerable, because your comment has helped me not feel so alone. I am in a very similar situation, and it’s extremely difficult to deal with. I find myself overthinking and taking his withdrawal very personally at times, even when i know in the back of my head it’s not. I am trying my best to keep my head up and remind myself that it is most likely just his bipolar. I really hope things are going well for you guys, and best of luck 🖤
This is giving me so much hope I'll find someone. as a guy with bipolar it feels near impossible to find a girlfriend
I don’t know about him, but for me, the bipolar is a very huge part of me. It completely takes me over. I don’t have control over it. So when I do things that are probably messed up to other people, it’s not that I actually want to be hurtful. I think you just have to understand not to take what he does personally because it is so much more about him than it is you. He is probably just trying his best to understand himself.
My brother have a bipolar and all here breakdown was on me , and we have been 2 years not talk , and i really miss him , i watch this video to find out away to back to him
This is SO relatable!! My friend has BPD and when he randomly ghosts out of our lives, i always feel like i did something...
Its pretty rough
I feel the same
Polar bears like " dang this isnt what i was looking for but its what i needed" 😂
Hi my name is Christina and I have bipolar type 2 and I came across your name with your videos through a bipolar support group recently I came to see this channel through researching manic episodes and insomnia because I'm having surgery and I can't take anything for sleep so I know I'm going to romantic episode and I want it to know a little bit more about it so a Google to CZcams and you came up again and I remembered you from a video that I saw with service my bipolar support group and I'm older than you but everything you're saying is hitting all the marks and I took me a while to get where I'm at to understand what's going on with me and even then I still don't fully understand what's going on I haven't gone through all your videos yet but I'm sure I will I just want to thank you because sometimes it feels like nobody knows what I'm going through and I feel like sometimes the people in the group are just going through the motions I don't mean to be emotional I know it goes along with the illness but thank you
This helped me alot thanks
I love your voice 😭
You're very blessed to have a good friend. 👍
You talked about using the excuse that you were sick, as opposed to saying that you were dropped out laid out or I guess you could say down. I'm bipolar I and sometimes I can't find my phone, because I don't really care about looking for it. I tell new friends that I sometimes will drop out. Make the phone and computer and social media subservient to your existence as a human. I'm an artist that some times has no motivation to make art. I'm an artist that utilizes and appreciates inspiration and ideas that come to me when I get into a creative mode or zone. Strike the iron when it is hot.
Sure, you could call it mania, but it seems so demeaning. I believe that talent comes as a package deal. Along with being gifted, comes the propensity to be tortured by your emotions/mind. It's a package deal.
Finding a balance with meds is best. Sertraline and Lamotrigine help keep things in hand. Unfortunately one of those things is a
flacid penis. Fortunately generic viagra will be available Jan 2018.
Best friend is a male and we dated for about 6 or 7 months. He broke up with me because one of his family members were joking around with him and telling him that I was seeing someone else, when I wasn't. When I was with my best friend and I was dating him I never was told about any of his mental illnesses I didn't know he even had any because I didn't see it I didn't encounter any of it and then shortly after he moved into his own place I saw different size of him and I put them to the hospital because I was scared and I wasn't sure what to do. he wasn't acting himself. There would be times he doesn't talk to me doesn't answer my calls text messages I would have to try to get ahold of his family. And so now that we're even closer as best friends I have not seen him in 3 weeks and I have not heard from him and I keep thinking to myself that I did something or said something wrong, but no one wants to tell me. He said he wants some space from me and I haven't seen him in almost a month I haven't heard from him in over a week he has bipolar schizophrenia. I've been told that he's having a bipolar episode or moment and just give him some space right now
Very helpful video
I am so isolated from family and friends. I feel like so embarrassed by my past behavior and I have lost so many friends and family as a result. I am isolating from others because I am so afraid of what others think about me. I don't know how to get my relationships back on track because no one understands me.
I've been recently diagnosed with bipolar 2. One of the4 first memories is of me being alone on the kindergarten playground. I've never been able to keep a close friend. What should I do so I don't have to isolate myself all the time.
What if you have new friends who don't understand why I struggle with so much negativity and I feel like I'm losing them
My former friend was bipolar 2. We are sadly not friends because I fell in love with him and it got complicated. He was travelling and didn’t see a message or explain to be when I first met him again that he had bipolar 2 (he told me this later) anyway I get hurt as this message goes on answered and I saw him flirting with someone else. Anyway later on we try and sort it out but again it doesn’t quite work and he disappears for a few days. I get. A bit worried and check up on him but actually this irritates him. Sadly the friendship ended because he suddenly had a go at how much I messaged him and how I was abnormal for not realising the reason he was out of touch was because he was travelling. He said my constant need for his attention was draining what little mental health he had and that I possible had NPD or BPD. Yes…he has shut me out of my life now. I think it’s for the best. I wish I could have known sooner he had bipolar and how to be a supportive friend . Apparently he said I was selfish when I was younger when he had his mental health decline. I guess sometimes people are just in different places and it’s not meant to be. You guys seem to have a beautiful friendship. Keep on keeping on.
i know the feeling of shame. bipolar victoms usually don’t reach out and expose themselves. we are so afraid of regection. harldly anyone knows about my bipolar. even some of my relatives. most of the ones i have opened up to either didn’t want to ubderstand or deny that bipolar exists!
Don't take each other for granted
my friend told me he’s bipolar today and I told him I have bpd, trying to educate myself on bipolar before i ask him questions about it; or is mentioning it too much?
I blocked almost all of them during my manic stage.
WOW, I thought the move to Carolina, but how is the mental health care down
I just got a warning from a friend not to invite a person onto mine and my husbands new boat because he has bipolar. I know nothing about this disorder but did some google searches and I doubt we will be in any danger. From what I read and took from your video, is that I may need to approach with patience, respect and perhaps with a whole lot of understanding for our new friend.
But what should I expect please? I'm sure there will be much fun and laughter but during his low times is this similar to someone who suffers from depression? I hope my post is not offensive. I genuinely want to know. I dont want to fear or alienate this person. Thanks
I still have minner set back to bipolar been a while!
i told my family and gf right away the moment i got diagnosed
And how did they respond and what's it been like since?
one my best friends was there when, a mental break, she said so scary, she had to call my parents!
had
I’m envious bc I literally have nobody for support 💔
💝💝💝
When I was 15 years old
How do you help someone when they’re manic or they’re going through mood changes. I dated someone with bipolar, I had a friend who struggled with it my first year of college, and now I’m friends with someone who I think might have it too. How can you be a friend and make sure the person feels safe? If they’re adamant about things, how do you set boundaries? I’m having a hard time communicating with my new friend because they want to be alone with me sometimes and I keep having to say no. Not that I don’t love them, it’s just because they do and say things that scare me.
Give them your time when they need, cause a lot of time they are horrible and they know it so they want to be alone for that time because they know you'll get hurt somehow. Find out if they are really nice or the horrible things they say are their true nature. Because a lot of time they don't mean what they say and they'll say what they really feel when they are stable..... Give them time and solitude when they want and try to be their for them when they need you, cause at that time they might be fighting depression and sadness.... and be honest with your feelings too
I told two females who I thought was my friend that I had Bipolar now they distance themselves from me. We are not friends anymore.
Hi Cathy. It's unfortunate and sad that your friends did that. It has happened to me, so I know the feeling. For me, I came to realize that it's better not to have them around than try to pretend I'm someone that I'm not.I hope you'll subscribe to our channel and our FB page (facebook.com/healthyplace). We have a supportive community. Hannah
Yes I found d that out they wouldn't let me have an opinion thT wS opposite to their own
Are y'all from Eastern PA?
Hannah, I was wondering if you have a job? And how you cope with having bi polar 2 and if you tell people at work you have it? I have bi polar 2 and work is a struggle.
Hi Sam. Welcome. I work in media and mental health. My job is as a blogger, vlogger and utilizing social media to spread awareness about mental health. I am working on a video currently that pertains to this issue, so I am glad you are bringing it up. In my previous jobs, prior to coming forward about bipolar, I kept very quiet. I wanted people to get to know my character before revealing my condition. It depends on where you work and the timing of it. I wish I could give you a better answer, but in a couple weeks, when I do a video, I will make sure to let you know! Thanks! Hannah
My best friend (ever) was diagnosed with bipolar disorder back in 2015. We became best friends bc we found each other within our depression. The moment she found out, she told me. But I was completely lost in how the hell it worked. I'm trying to understand her more. I know she has her breakdowns and mood swings, but what I'm barely grasping is her withdrawal. I moved countries and I left her. Which she would tell me "hey, I'm in denial, to me you're still at your home right now". Which is super impressive bc you mentioned the reason why you felt that way when you left. So, yeah, she sometimes doesn't talk to me and it kind of makes me feel weird. Tho, I have a question: does bipolarity make you sometimes snap at your best friend out of the blue? Or without an actual reason?
"I have a question: does bipolarity make you sometimes snap at your best friend out of the blue? Or without an actual reason?" Hi Paula. There is an irritability factor in bipolar disorder. When a person experiences hypomania or mania, irritability can come along with it. So that can cause someone to act out. Thanks, Hannah
I’m bipolar 1 and I’m from Boston
Come back
Awe reminds me and my best friend
I remeber that be bipolar 1 with friends
Crazy!
heres my story on bi ploar im not by polar for one. but my very close friend is shes mad at me right now to the point where shes not my friend anymore which hurts me but the story is I went mia on her 5 months ago and 5 months later jan 4th i told her why i did i told her that i felt she didnt care and so i shut off my phone and all my contacts and so i did it to see what she would say anything or react.. I understand her being mad but not for 2 months straight shes had a lot of negativity on her life shes always thinking people are trying to screw her over so she has to be very careful whos shes around plus we've been friends past 10 months but we have done a lot i mean a lot together talked and hung out everyday so i want to think that her bi ploar has to contribute to it a lot but not the reason does that make any sense and what would u do since ur bi ploar if that happened id like to know
Hi! If this friend is affecting your mental health then I would keep my distance. Offering her resources such as blogs and videos talking about mental health may be helpful. Lows and highs and go for months at a time. Isolation is a major problem as well. If you are offering her help but she doesn't respond there is not much else you can do. She will reach out when she is ready. Thank you for being so open and honest. -Hannah
@@healthyplace yea shes knows lots of mental health shes a mental health blogger her self but i donno do you think her bi polar has do with any of the negative mood towards me? cant say all of it but at lest a portion? correct me if im wrong.
thing is i dont understand biploar
Lucky you!
Thank you! She is a great friend. We are all deserving of good friendships. -Hannah
Sweet ladies
Not sure why you ended up in a mental instuition? and not your Gp
Hi figen figen. My bipolar symptoms went out of control (At the time, I wasn't diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Once I was hospitalized, I was diagnosed with bipolar 2). Here's more. czcams.com/video/bOfy2ry5ZT4/video.html Thanks, Hannah
Who loves ya baby!!!
G8 you 2☆ & just bec, she on medz doesn't mean it has end beautiful friend-ship.
I think the psychiatric community is too easy to label young adults nowadays just by seeing your video I see no signs of bipolar all though it’ll take a lot more than a video
Hi SuperPaul3000. So I'm not sure what you're saying regarding not seeing signs of bipolar disorder in my video. It would be interesting to know what you were expecting to see. In any case, I think there's been a recognition that bipolar disorder in young people has been over-diagnosed. In the DSM-5, there's a new diagnosis of DMDD (disruptive mood dysregulation disorder) that covers many of the symptoms of bipolar disorder but without the mania (I hope I have that correct.). It is designed for children 6-18 only. However, that doesn't mean a child or teenager can't have bipolar disorder. And from my own experience, I believe the earlier it's detected, diagnosed and treated, the better off you are. Thanks, Hannah
I WAS EXPECTING TO SEE A HATEFUL PERSON THAT HATES LIFE HATES WORK HATES HER FAMILY HATES THE OPPOSITE SEX DOES WANNA WORK DOESNT WANT TO BE IN A RELATIONSHIP LANGUAGE THAT ONLY THAT IS ABOUT HER NOT A SINGLE WORD OF CARE FOR ANYONE ELSE NOT TRUST WORTHY VERY MANIPULITVE AND I CAN GO ON AND ON AND THIS IS MY SISTER WHO IS NOT WILLING TO TAKE ANY ADVISE TO LOOK INTO A PROBLEM SHE MIGHT HAVE INSTEAD OF WASTING THE REST OF HER LIFE IN ISOLATION AND ANGRY. IM VERY UPSET THAT SHE IS LIKE THIS. ARE THESE TRAITS OF A BI POLAR PERSON ?
Friends bipolar, grab you by your pockets
No option if you froze up, always play the offense
Everything great is solar, Heaven starts wehere the soul ends