[PTMKNH]

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to reply to my "I have no friends" post. As you can see, I posted that back in June, 2007. As of today - June 2011, I've discovered many interesting things about myself. I sought professional help and discovered what I wondered all along.. that I have bi-polar disorder. That put into perspective my inability to maintain friendships. For a few days I would be "normal" and want to enjoy the company of others, then the next few days I would be down and not want contact nor return anyone's phone call. When I would come out of the downswing the world would always look so much clearer and I loved life, but noticed I had pushed others away. With medical help I was able to treat that and am now on an even keel daily. I look forward to life. As for social settings I realized I just never knew what to say about myself and would always deflect conversation back onto the other person or another topic. I bacame very good at it. I decided to seek the help of a psychoanalyst. She was great. She believed in her patients being very pro-active in their own care and expected that from them. I learned much about myself in terms of what my boundaries are as a person, what I stand for and who "I" am. This has helped me to be able to be more open with others that I meet and talk more openly with them. I've gained 2 very good friends, though they are a state away... and I've also gained a husband in the process. Thank you everyone for your advice. I guess we all have to find our way through the life we have and for each of us it could be very different or quite similar. It just takes strength, dedication and courage... and sometime the advice of another.

[adviceishere]

I really appreciate everyone taking the time to reply to my "I have no friends" post. As you can see, I posted that back in June, 2007. As of today - June 2011, I've discovered many interesting things about myself. I sought professional help and discovered what I wondered all along..that I have bi-polar disorder. That put into perspective my inability to maintain friendships. For a few days I would be "normal" and want to enjoy the company of others, then the next few days I would be down and not want contact nor return anyone's phone call. When I would come out of the downswing the world would always look so much clearer and I loved life, but noticed I had pushed others away. With medical help I was able to treat that and am now on an even keel daily. I look forward to life. As for social settings I realized I just never knew what to say about myself and would always deflect conversation back onto the other person or another topic. I bacame very good at it. I decided to seek the help of a psychoanalyst. She was great. She believed in her patients being very pro-active in their own care and expected that from them. I learned much about myself in terms of what my boundaries are as a person, what I stand for and who "I" am. This has helped me to be able to be more open with others that I meet and talk more openly with them. I've gained 2 very good friends, though they are a state away... and I've also gained a husband in the process. Thank you everyone for your advice. I guess we all have to find our way through the life we have and for each of us it could be very different or quite similar. It just takes strength, dedication and courage...and sometime the advice of another.

Wow! Thank you for sharing your progress! I am also bipolar, its actually quite common and its such a relief to put a name to something you know is there, you should stick around and give others your advice and experiences I think you would be a great help to others who were just like you 4 years ago. Well done to you! :D