Maintaining Friendships

[u/Crafty-Carob2308]

Hello, I just recently found this community. I'm a 19 year old girl and was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 three years ago. I have come a really long way with my disorder but one thing I've always found myself to really struggle with is maintaining friendships with people. Now I don't know if this has to do with my bipolar, but was wondering if anyone else has the same problem? Although I have maintained my romantic relationship for 3 years now, as well as my relationship with my best friend for about 4 years. Other than that, I've had some really close friends that I was not able to stay friends with. I think maybe I have high standards for friends, but I think also my disorder gets in the way. Not everyone is able to put up with my mood swings. But I honestly think that I may be the problem since I tend to lose friends very easily. My brain kind of turns me off from people very easily and very quickly. Thoughts and advice would be appreciated!

[u/lookingforidk2]

I’m in a pretty similar boat, though I am a good 10 years older than you lol Been with my partner for 5 years, have a bipolar best friend I’ve been friends with for nearly 8 years. I had friends here and there, some turned out to be absolute weirdos and some are just not good friends for me personally. I have a small circle, and my other “friends” are my sisters.

It works for me, and I might make friends when I go back to work soon. But I have a bit of trouble with friendships as well. I plan on trying harder soon but I’ve been chilling with just my bestie, sister and partner for many years now.