Topic Tuesday // Creating and maintaining social connections // Tues 20 Nov, 7pm AEDT

[Zoe7]

I don't communicate with them about my MI - I keep it all to myself. I have tried but they either don't want to hear or I decide not to say anything further

[BlueBay]

@jess_27

I struggle communicating my mentsl illness to my family. They do know but not to the full extent. I don’t tell my family I have BPD. They understand thst I hsve depression anxiety snd ptsd. 

[Adge]

Thanks @Former-Member

Hi @jess_27

Hi everyone.

Yes, this is a really important topic.

I struggle with it too.

I also have CPTSD, Sleep Apnea (daily fatigue), & now complications & IBS from my 3 major bowel surgeries.

Adge

[jess_27]

I'm sorry to hear that. What strategies have you tried to communciate in the past? And why is it you don't think they worked?

[Former-Member]

Glad you could join us @Adge 🙂

[greenpea]

Before I had my medication I would have flashes of anger (I am bipolar 1 and schizoaffective) now that I am on medication and seeing a psychologist and psychiatrist my moods have calmed down although I miss my fiery self at times. Now I am verging on being a zombie but my family prefer it in fact they say how happy they are with how I am atm.

[jess_27]

I am very familiar with the anger and Bipolar 1. I sometimes miss my fiery self too. But I am very thankful for our medication and treatment have helped my relationships. Have you found your relationships have improved since treatment?

[Zoe7]

To be honest I don't think my family want to know anything because they can't handle it @jess_27 - and there is too much that I can't disclose to them which makes it harder for me to connect with them on things

[Adge]

My relatives all live inter-state.

They are not open to admitting they have MI - or to any discussion of mine.

Except when they want to use MI as a label to blame (esp on me).

Adge

[Teej]

Hi @jess_27, @Former-Member, @greenpea, @Adge, @BlueBay and anyone following along. 

I guess im wondering what maintaining relationships is. What does that look like to most people?