Posted by Jimmyboy on November 23, 2008, at 17:29:52
In reply to Re: A question, posted by chocamine on November 23, 2008, at 15:43:23
Hey Choc,
Reading your response reminded me of one of the hardest things to come to terms with after a manic or hypomanic episode. After coming down from a manic period- you isolate yourself b/c you don't feel like you can " live up to the standard" you set when you were manic. This has happened to me both times ( once full manic and another hypo manic) - so I can definitely understand this.
But, at least in my case, I did not have a realistic view of what I was like during those times. I looked back on them fondly. I was so witty and quick and self-confident, full of energy.. but according to people i talked to about it later -they considered me to be annoying, obnoxious, hostile and the fact that I was acting so bizarre really freaked some of them out. So, things may be different with you, but just becaue you remeber those times fondly doesn't mean the outside world felt the same way about your behavior. Plus, lets face the truth, the majority of people out there ( new acquaintences -not old friends) don't think about others that much anyway, they are too busy with their own lives to worry too much about others - so my point is - forget about feeling like you have to live up to any expectations of others- your true friends will accept you for who you are depressed or not - you don't have to be the life of the party.
Try not to romanticize the manic period. Its hard to do, its a powerful f'ed up experience - as you know ... but, you don't want to be there again. The high is always followed by a dark nasty depression that usually lasts a hell of a lot longer than the high.
Good luck
JB
poster:Jimmyboy
thread:864627
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081123/msgs/864902.html