I am interested to see if anyone has had similar thoughts/experiences involving family.  When I go into manic episodes, I always circle back to the thought that no one in my family respects me because I am mentally ill. I get the feeling that they all walk on eggshells around me, which is heartbreaking. The way they talk and interact with one another is not how they interact with me. I am not sure if this is because they think I'm crazy and look down on me, or if they are just being sensitive to my condition. This has led me to lose a lot of trust with them and has strained our relationships.  Earlier today I told my father that I don't trust my siblings and will see them all at their funerals and he started crying.  I have already decided that I am not going home for the holidays this year because every time I go home I have a mental breakdown and leave thinking that I'm different then everyone. I never had a close relationship with them to begin with, but I wish I did. I am diagnosed and medicated for Bipolar II disorder and I am concerned that there may also be a bit of schizophrenia or psychosis involved. I would love to hear how you all deal with family members (especially toxic ones) and what you do to cope.