Isolation

It's hard to explain how your life changes once you've had a Manic or Depressive episode ending in hospitalization and psych medication. Most people lose whatever support they have. Some are fortunate to have people who will stand by them, in spite of the challenges this presents. The tendency for those living with this disorder is to isolate due to trust and abandonment issues. It's critical to push past that and find a community, whether it's yours or it revolves around a hobby. It's so important to get out and overcome your fear of people and them finding out what you live with day in and day out. Make it a little step, but a step none the less. It can make all the difference knowing you're not alone.