Family doesn't "get it"

[MarnieJan712]

Unfortunately, I live at home with my mom.  My sister has been staying here for about 3 months now and recently has been on me about everyhting.  She doesn't believe in "mental illnesses".  She believes it is all mind over matter.  It is very hard to live with, I think she has gotten my mom to believe her too.  I think about suicide all the time.  I have been diagnosed with major depression and BPD and possibly PTSD.  I usually try to keep to myself, but when I have to be with them, I work very hard to pretend that I am ok.  I am dying inside.  I don't know how much longer I can do it.  I have had three suicide attempt and now I think I have perfected my plan - it has to work next time.  I tried to educate my family to see if they'd be more understanding, but that didn't work.  What else can I do?  (I am working on moving out)

[boognell]

Continue working on the 'moving out' plan, and suicide is not an option. Although everything may seem bleak now, you are here on earth for a reason. Many people, even your family, are ignorant to mental illness facts and so if you have tried to educate them, and reinforced the teaching, well....you have done what you can. Your sister sounds like she is suffering from either latent sibling rivalry or is trying to establish her "turf." Please, continue the positive path by moving out and keep me posted. Good luck and God bless.

[mammo]

You've tried educating them and that didn't work, so I feel the next best thing is to get your own place as you're doing.  But have you had a real heart to heart with them one at a time?  If you act okay in front of them, maybe that's what's making them think you're better than you are?  Your heart is in the right place but their just not getting it.  What you don't want to do is allow their treatment of you to strip you of all your self respect. Are you on medication and is it working?  It concerns me that you are talking about suicide!  Don't allow others to drag you down, I know it's difficult when you live with them but keep in mind that it's temporary.  You need to and can, rise above how they're making you feel.  They're adding to your problems....not helping.  You have to keep reminding yourself that you matter and have a life to live.  You need to fight with all you have to get to a better place emotionally and family wise.  If you are under the care of a doctor maybe you could have him write or call your mom to explain just how real all of this is. Suicide is never the answer and you may end up in a worse place.  You share a illness with so many others, and we have to fight every day to live the best life we can and find happiness.  We deserve it!  Don't ever give up on yourself, you can and will improve this situation.  Hold your head high with your mom and sister, you've done nothing wrong.  Keep fighting, you can do this.  We're always here for you so never hesitate to talk to us about it all because we DO understand.  Take care.