Is it OK to mention my bi-polar disease at an Alanon meeting? - Al-Anon Family Group

RiaB · Newbie

Is it OK to mention my bi-polar disease at an Alanon meeting?

hotrod · ~*Service Worker*~

Yes it is perfectly acceptable to share that your illness may be holding you back in your recovery.

grateful2be · ~*Service Worker*~

Hi, Ria: My experience in Al-Anon is that each group seems to have its own norms within the principles and traditions of Al-Anon. I haven't been in a meeting where people have brought up their struggle with that disease and yet that doesn't mean it doesn't get brought into a person's share. If you have doubts about it, perhaps there is someone in your home group who could help you decide if this would be a helpful thing for you to do for you in a meeting?

BeingStill · Member

In my experience with Al Anon, mentioning our personal struggles with physical and/or emotional illnesses is fine. I know we aren't supposed to discuss any affiliations with other 12 Step Programs, but I don't believe it would break any "rules" to discuss your challenges with being bipolar. I've discussed my anxiety disorder in meetings because it is a part of my recovery journey. And I've found that using Al Anon tools helps me manage my anxiety disorder.

(((hugs)))

BeingStill

Debilyn · ~*Service Worker*~

You have every right to. However what is it you want to get by sharing this information?

Most people won't know what it is, or understand. Some may be afraid. Some may not know how to talk to you. It may be something to discuss with your sponsor but not the group.

If you can handle possible consequences then go for it! My question about what I share is what do you want out of this?

hugs! great topic!

DavidG · ~*Service Worker*~

Groups vary a lot on what we get to talk through...

in any good group- just ask 'em.

You have mentioned it here... this forum acts a group... and it sounded fine to me... smile

DavidG.

Jerry F · ~*Service Worker*~

Sounds like you're a considerate group member...remember "Al-Anon spoken here" as a guideline and check your motives. In my home group the only thing we don't share is the same blood. lol ((((hugs)))) smile

RiaB · Newbie

RiaB wrote:
I get sabotaged by my own disease while working my program. It would help if I could mention, but not dwell on, how bi-polar illness has made my recovery slower.

Thank you all for your very kind responses. I go to three different meetings a week, and shared what I stated above. I even shared that I was afraid to share about my illness. Many people after the meeting thanked me for my honesty. And several told me that they too suffered with bi-polar illness. Now that it's out in the open I feel freed up to be honest in my sharing, about which program tools work and which ones I have a hard time with. Again, I appreciate all of you and the fact that you are here.

hotrod · ~*Service Worker*~

Good work Ria. I am happy that you had the courage to be honest and reaped the benefits.

So glad that you are here and sharing the journey.

grateful2be · ~*Service Worker*~

(((Ria)))

The material presented here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method to exchange information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal level.