2006-09-27 10:51:08 · 18 answers · asked by Mark 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
take it one day at a time and build trust over time. Don't expect attitudes to change straight away but having said that the people who really love you and know you will be able to see past previous bipolar behaviour and love the real you.
I don't think its always necessary to move away. Sometimes you can join new groups or make new friends and just be honest with people. Theres no shame in having bipolar disorder.
2006-09-27 11:46:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
While not ever having suffered from bipolar disorder, I did have depression. Once I started my meds I realized how horrible my behavior had been. Your true friends and family should, and probably do, understand. These are the only people that really matter. If you run into someone that you had a bad experience with, and the time is right, explain to them your situation and let them know you are taking measures to better your life and behavior. If someone is holding it against you, then they aren't worth your time and effort. It's a medical disorder, and a difficult one to deal with at that. The people that matter will already know this.
2006-09-27 17:58:51 · answer #2 · answered by bhlangdon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Seek out a counselor who has expertise in treating BiPolar patients. Then find a 12 step program that deals with Obsessive Compulsive Behavior or addictions. Join your local NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill)organization and offer to be a speaker for their "In your own voice" program. Perhaps by educating others and speaking about your experiences, you can give something back to the community; thus improving your reputation ..
2006-09-27 18:00:48 · answer #3 · answered by cheyennetomahawk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It'd be nice to beleive that people were open minded, weren't hysterical about mental illness and were willing to listen...unfortunately, mental illness is attached to a great deal of stigma in our society. Perhaps moving into a new area would be a good idea: it'd be fresh challenges, fresh people, a fresh job. You wouldn't be as self-conscious, you might argue, or be surrounded by reminders of previous behaviour.
On the other hand, if you're only just recovering, then you need a support network of close friends and relatives. In short, it depends how long ago these problems were. Still, I'd tend to go with the first option.
Good luck.
2006-09-27 17:56:35 · answer #4 · answered by Jim 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go and seek out anyone you care to explain this to. Tell them you have been ill. The best thing you can do is face who you really are. If they laugh or still hold a grudge, that is theirs to own. You will feel better for facing all of this new realization of yourself. Laugh about yourself with anyone who will listen. Humor can lighten up any situation. Tell them hey! I sure was an annoying jerk huh? Maybe they are already educated on bipolar. If they are not, surely someday they will be, and they will understand then. It takes alot more courage to stay planted where you are. Remember this: Wherever you go, you take yourself with you.
2006-09-27 17:59:50 · answer #5 · answered by curious 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can't repair it so forget about it. How many people do you really still know after 25 years? If you were like me you probaly don't have alot of friends left anyway. You may have self medicated that manifested itself in drug and or alcohol abuse and If thats the case you will be apologizing for the rest of your life. I suggest that you just relax and be a good person to yourself today and try not to do anything stupid today. Try and think about things others have done to you and their bad behavior and I'll bet you can't think of to many incidents that you can't forget. Well people who are bipolar are very self centered and think about themselfs alot believe me not to many people are dwelling on your past problems or even remember your past bad behavior. Just be glad you got help and feel better today.
2006-09-27 18:21:02 · answer #6 · answered by the_wire_monkey 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The catchword here is BEST. Sorry I really don't know what is best for you and those around you. Moving is definately the EASIEST and giving a thousand dollars to everyone you screwed over couldn't hurt. Just telling those around you that you were suffering due to a disorder should bring you some compassion. For others humor is the way to go, if those you know are just as sick, a t-shirt saying I'm Bi would do something.
2006-09-27 18:05:02 · answer #7 · answered by rjinsanjo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rich Z is right. Unless you want to spend a comparable amount of years behaving in a non-bipolar way- which is hard for bi-polar people to do. Medication may help.
Good luck.
2006-09-27 17:53:36 · answer #8 · answered by Simply_Renee 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Live life in a way that will enhance your reputation. It will take time. Just make them all proud of you. People have short memories they will forgive and forget the old you; if they hold any grudge than you don't want that kind of friend anyway.
2006-09-27 18:13:09 · answer #9 · answered by Justin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
show everyone that you've changed. If you show them that you've changed, they'll see what a great person you are and forget everything else that might of happened. Besides, you can't help your behavior. You can't help it that you're bipolar. Everybody is just going to have to get over it and accept the new you!!
And trust me, I know what I'm talking about. I know a few bipolar people myself and they got over it and they have loads of friends now!!!
2006-09-27 17:55:44 · answer #10 · answered by shortie77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋