Anyone else feel like they're in a double bind?
I feel like I'm in a double bind.
A. You're doing so well! You can't possibly be bipolar. No help for you!
-crashes-
B. Oh, you have bipolar disorder so that's why you're not functioning? That's no excuse! Get your act together!
- gets my act together somehow -
Repeat the cycle
I mean.. what am I supposed to do here? It's like nobody will believe how bad I'm struggling until I completely fall apart. But even when I do, nobody is there to help me get back up. So it just feels like I'm forever getting by just enough to keep myself afloat without ever really living. 99% of my energy goes into pure survival. And then if I finally can't even do that much.. it's somehow because I'm not trying hard enough and my honest seeking for help is seen as attention seeking, exaggerating or annoying.
Anyone else feel this way? What did you do about it?
@sleepysandmoth
I’m sorry you’re having such problems with those around you. It’s lonely to be misunderstood and feel isolated by something you’re still trying to figure out how to manage.
When people are judgmental towards victims of bipolar, it’s as though they’re making a screaming proclamation of their own ignorance. I think in most cases, the ignorance isn’t willful, but instead absence of understanding. I’m not sure if making that distinction is helpful, but maybe it is a little bit.
My theory is that those who make those irresponsible judgments don’t understand how a person can be cheerful, productive and confident one day and too depressed to get out of bed the next. My daughter is bipolar, and it took her a while before she was able to manage the symptoms well enough, with the help of her doctor.
I’d like to think that those who take the time to say stupid things to you, might also be willing to take some time to become educated about bipolar disorder. I found out that we’re not allowed to put external links in our posts, but if you keyword search bipolar disorder, either in Youtube or a browser, you’ll find some good explanations that you can share with those who have an interest in no longer being ignorant.
Unfortunately the people I am referencing in my post includes therapists, psychiatrists and doctors 😅 i appreciate the advice though 🫶