24 Year old Female with Bipolar Type 2 living at home

Hello

This is my first post on the forum but needed some input. I am 24 and have recently been diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2. Previously I was living on my own in a different state and city then my family but after numerous mental breakdowns, huge weight gain and severe overall depression I agreed to move home, where I was able to get my diagnosis and on new medications. 6 months later I am still at home. I have a job full time near my parents house and pay a rent of 1200$ a month for food, housing, utilities, hygienic products. Yet I still feel I SHOULD be living on my own again, but am nervous to be all alone with few friends and without psychological support.

Is this strange or bad for me to be at home at this age? Am I simply taking the immature and easy route? I love I have lost almost 30 pounds and feel I can keep to a more regular less scattered routine and that I feel overall more even emotionally than prior to this support and medication changes. But I am also worried I am becoming a “bum” or simply allowing myself to not grow up.

Any guidance or advice is appreciated. Thank you!

Hello, and welcome!

I was living at home, and NOT paying rent....

Seriously. You were recently diagnosed with a mental illness that can cause some disruption, to put it mildly. You've got a job, and you're pulling your weight, by paying rent.

Only you know whether it's immature, for you, or not- but given everything, it seems reasonable to me. Working and paying for your room and board is hardly being a bum, sweetie. It might be good to push yourself eventually, and move out, sure, but I wouldn't beat myself up over it, either.

Thank you for your honest prospective and encouragement it Truly means a lot. While I know the leap will have to come eventually, the idea of being alone and not simply
Sleeping life away or giving into impulsive behaviors seem much harder than when having family figures pushing you more...

I just know while still young and ironically half the time not caring about life and having suicidal thoughts, I oddly still find myself comparing myself to others my age and mainly the perception of what I should be doing at this age. The positive is it shows caring even when you don’t I guess.

Thank you again for a great welcome and helpful response. I am happy I decided to try out a forum and will continue to use it for myself and to hopefully help others!

Hi Brutusthecat,
Welcome to Psych Forums! I am diagnosed Bipolar Type 1.

It is hard for me to actually give advice. Ever since I've been dignosed and have been stable for years, I am unsure of the future. But that cannot stop me from trying to move forward. I am afraid I may have a hard time being on my own, should that be necessary. But that's just me. I need to first start working like I plan on doing. I have a job interview this week, then I need to see where it takes me, for me to actually know for myself. I have high hopes, though.

I give you encouragement in whatever you have your sights set on. You can do it!

I know and I've lived it myself, that it is indeed very hard not to compare yourself to others your ag e, or to feel like you need to be more independent at your age, but try not to compare yourself to anyone else. In your own time, you will do what you know is in your best interests, because you are living your unique life that no one else can live for you. It's a day by day mentality. I wish you the very best. Also, please stop by the Bipolar forum and give us a shot. It can be a quiet forum but it's nice to see a new face, figuratively speaking, of course.

Link to Bipolar Forum:

bipolar/

quietgirl

Hey, brutusthecat,

No, you're no bum. You're working and paying your way, even if you're living with your folks. Sometimes it helps to be with family thru a rough time in your life. I did same after a breakup from a long-time relationship. I don't have bipolar but have experienced deep depression for years. There's nothing wrong about going back "home" when there is no other support system in place. Sometimes the comfort of family is just enough to help you get thru an awful time and also guide you to launching dreams of where you want to go.

Kudos on losing the weight, if you're doing this for your health. Pls try to cooperate with your doctor on the medications, as it can may a huge difference in the way you feel about yourself and your outlook on life! Best of luck to you!