i never know whether or not to feel completely invalidated or flattered by my dad when he says things like “You have to overcome this without the meds. You’re stronger than you think” 

should i feel validated that he thinks i’m *that* strong, to overcome a literal chemical imbalance &amp; disorder as severe as bipolar? or invalidated that he doesn’t even believe it’s real? that he believes it’s a thing of “mind over matter”? &amp; “it’s all in your head.” ? 

it’s like he refuses to even try to understand. but he can’t deny things like schizophrenia or what he knows as split personality (DID). I don’t understand why bipolar disorder isn’t just as… valid. and i don’t understand why he won’t make an extra effort to understand his daughter when he constantly talks about how he doesn’t really know me. i’m conflicted. i’ll drop a picture for reference if i can figure out how to.