Bipolar disorder and loneliness

@Happyness‍ what country are you from?

I think the key in struggling with loneliness is known our mental and physical limits, and acknowledging and appreciating them, but not to be afraid to push them and see if we cannot widen our limits, but at the same time being sure to not overdo it. As we know, overdoing it can cause us to spiral out.

@Happyness‍ I feel lonely too. I am diagnosed with bipolar. I have a difficulty making genuine connections/friendships with others... do you have that difficulty also?

Sure

Hi. I'm a french man living in Provence and bipolar for 20 years. Loneliness has been very difficult in the beginning of my disease, specially after first stage in hospital. Because the sight of my family and friends had changed due to my illness. First step and very difficult one was to accept myself as a bipolar. After that, I met a lot of people when I practized new activies : homeless feeding, teaching maths lessons, walking in the hills and writing books. Today, I'm not alone any more. I passed from loneliness to great happiness...

My last book "Profundity of bipolar" (amazon.com) relates my (sometimes funny) adventures as a bipolar. I also give advice on the ways to control state of mind. Finally, It's a profund reflection about bipolar disorder.

@PhilippeBARATIER‍ great recommendations. I am glad to see you have made so much improvement since your diagnosis 20 years ago. Thank you for sharing! 

Do you feel writing also helped you deal with the feeling of loneliness?

Dear Lee_R, 

Writing is an excellent therapy. During crisis, I often write and that is a mean to become more peaceful. Sometimes, it is too difficult because the flow of ideas is so intense that you have not enough time to write the first idea and the second is already there. But in these cases, I store my ideas in a corner of my computer and I come back to it when my mind is more calm.

Writing is also a way to sort the ideas, to go further in the best ones and also to know oneself better. From this point of view, bringing you in a better acceptance of yourself, it facilitates contacts and exchanges with other people. Outgoing from loneliness begins by a good acceptance of oneself. This is well-known in asiatic philosophy...

Are you a bipolar too, Lee_R?

I've struggled with this feeling of loneliness for so long. It's a weird sort of loneliness because I'm surrounded by family and friends but I still feel alone. Does anyone else feel this way?

@magicpamela... Im a new widow...i feel lonely all the time. Being bipolar doesnt help. My son and i talked sbout iy today...he says he understands but im not sure he does. I miss being with people and talking to someone. Its hard... If you find a way out let me know...

 Happyness,

I try to keep myself busy and focus on things I enjoy.  When I am just sitting around  I feel lonely.  They Pandemic enhanced this.  Even though  I live with my husband and adult daughter I can still feel alone.  I know it is because of my bipolar mostly. I do have trouble making friends. I have very few close friends and have problems with trust.  Feel free to message me if you just want to chat.  Take care