20-11-2018 07:35 PM
20-11-2018 07:35 PM
@jess_27 Dear God I am not socialable at all except for online and my various doctors lol. I get overloaded and go a bit mad if I am around too many people for too long.
20-11-2018 07:35 PM
20-11-2018 07:35 PM
Friendships and mental illness can be really tough. For me, I want someone who is reliable. But sometimes that makes me feel like a burden. I think it is important to make our expectations and boundaries in all relationships very clea.r
20-11-2018 07:36 PM
20-11-2018 07:36 PM
haha! I get that. That's what I am like normally but when I become manic I can't get enough of attention and affection! I think it is all about striking a balance.
20-11-2018 07:38 PM
20-11-2018 07:38 PM
I am the same as @greenpea I don't have friendships outside of online but it is something I have been working on through DBT and the connections I have made there.
20-11-2018 07:39 PM
20-11-2018 07:39 PM
I said to my psychologist once - that I wish I had manic phases (I don't), because then I would have more energy.
She explained the down-side to me - so I said Ok, maybe not then...
I'm very introverted, so I need a lot of recovery time after social engagements.
Having severe fatigue issues also means that I must set limits to socialising - otherwise I pay a high price afterwards.
Adge
20-11-2018 07:39 PM
20-11-2018 07:39 PM
@jess_27 You are right jess_27 bipolar is very destructive and it is hard for me to forgive myself for what I have done when I was very sick. I am still getting to that point. My psychologist once said to me that I (meaning me) would forgive someone of the most hideous crimes but would not forgive myself for what I have done and she is right. It is still a work in progress.
20-11-2018 07:40 PM
20-11-2018 07:40 PM
I think the connections you make at group are so valuable! I'm still in a facebook group with some of the people from my group and it is a great source of social support.
And also just because it is online doesn't make it any less real @Zoe7. 🙂
20-11-2018 07:40 PM
20-11-2018 07:40 PM
Thanks for your response @greenpea. I have many friendships that span over more than thirty years but I drop out for years and then come back, especially over the past 7 years. I’ve dropped off the planet with all but one friend in the last 18months. I question how to have friendships again or what I want or need from them.
Ironically forum friendships seem easier to maintain (using that word to mean stay somewhat connected).
20-11-2018 07:41 PM
20-11-2018 07:41 PM
That is so true! But it is possible to learn to forgive yourself. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is to be self-compassionate. You would be amazed the impact it can have on your relationships when you treat yourself better.
20-11-2018 07:42 PM
20-11-2018 07:42 PM
I agree that online friendships and connections are very real - and none more than those we have here on the forum @jess_27
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