Oh yes, constantly. Friendships, work, partners. Finding people who also struggle with mental illness helps, they are more likely to "get it".. but at least for me it's always been an uphill battle

Yep, it has ruined many, including a marriage.

It has damaged or ruined nearly everything in my life: academics, profession/career, finances, family and friends, and my marriage of 35 years. My wife had the patience of a saint but even with that she finally had enough and asked for a divorce. It’s a waking nightmare, and it never ends.

I am Bi-polar, OCD, BPD, PTSD, and ADHD. I don't take any medication at this time but know I can't continue to fight it all without help of some kind. I was married for 18 years and have two amazing girl's. The divorce wasn't as bad as it could have been. I didn't realize at the time why I struggled as much as I did on a daily basis. I never talked to my husband about any of my feelings, concerns, or struggles. I was afraid of what him and his family would say or do. Worried they would think I was crazy or on drugs when I wasn't. About a year after the divorce I started dating a man who would turn out to be an evil monster. I know evil monsters from my childhood. Yet I didn't see this one at first. By the time I did it was too late. I survived but it was the hardest thing to overcome. Three years after that I met a man that was unlike anyone I have ever dated. I love him. I know I'm not easy to live with. I warned him from the very first day we met and started talking, that I was crazy. He swore he could handle it. I told him I've heard that more times than I can count and to proceed with caution because I can't give anymore of me to another person that won't handle my fragile pieces with care. He said he could and I slowly believed him. He had no idea what he was getting into. We have been together three years now and I want so bad to get a handle on these issues I am. I wish I could see myself from his view. From the view of many. I'd like to understand who I am from what they see. I don't want to lose the person I am but at same time want size down parts of me. Trying to explain myself to anyone usually gives me a panic attack because they don't get it

😥 Yes, big time!

I wish I had encouraging words. "Dating myself" seems to be the best option, I don't have the added stress (or benefits 😔) of a relationship, but I also don't have the stress of dealing with the bipolar blast zone hurting anyone else. It's lonely, but for me it's the best situation I can survive in.

Storm38, yes all the time 😻💜🥰

I’ve been at a very “meh” state since starting medication. Nothing gets me manic which kind of sucks. I’m wondering if I was misdiagnosed with bipolar and it was really just ADHD hyperactivity and hyperfixation. That said, my mental illnesses definitely wreak havoc on my relationships but I’ve determined it’s mostly the combination of PTSD, BPD, and the anxiety that coincides with them.

It use to, yes, and that was the reason I decided to stay one medications. I hated how I treated and interacted with people. For me, things changed after going to inpatient care and then a lengthy outpatient program where I learned more about psycho-educational topics like codependency, setting boundaries, cognitive distortions, and general mental wellness. It took years of working at it, and I still struggle with relationships with casual friends and coworkers, but I've managed a healthy relationship of almost 8 years with my partner and have greatly improved my family and close relationships. Being in group therapy and self help settings was a lot more effective for dealing with relationships than therapy and medication alone.

If you don't mind the awkwardness of virtual meetings, I highly recommend checking out the self help groups at supportgroupscentral.com, especially DBSA and the Peer Return to Network.