I worry about losing my friends because of my bipolar disorder symptoms and feeling ‘needy.’ To counter this fear, I try to remember we share mutual trust.

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The Fear of Losing Friends Because of Bipolar Disorder

I have to admit something: I have a huge fear of wearing out my friendships because of my Bipolar Disorder.

I’m aware that sometimes being a friend to a person with Bipolar disorder can be really hard. It’s not that I mean for it to be hard, it’s just that sometimes I do have needs that are a bit more than your average friend — because I have an illness.

And while most friends will be sick only a tiny percentage of the time, I’m actually sick most of the time. This can make being friends with me more challenging, so I have a great fear that one or more friends will just walk away and think that I’m too much effort.

Finding Meaningful Friendships With Bipolar

I do have reason to believe that people will walk away from friendships because of my bipolar disorder, as this has actually happened to me in the far-flung past. But, I have to say, the friendships that I have today are wonderful.

They are strong and they are beautiful. Although I do have this internalized fear of a friend just leaving, that’s likely not the reality of the situation. The reality of the situation is that I love my friends, my friends love me, and it’s highly unlikely one of them is going to turn around and decide this is no longer the case.

Fostering Mutual Trust and Commitment

So, despite my fears, I also have to understand that I have this trust with my friends. I trust that they’re not going to walk away from me, and I also know that I’m not going to walk away from them.

Learn more:
VIDEO: Life with Bipolar—Do People Say, “You’re Too Intense?”
VIDEO: Bipolar Disorder & Too Depressed to Shower

UPDATED: Originally published March 2, 2018

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