DEAR ABBY: I’m 34 years old and have been diagnosed with schizoaffective bipolar disorder. I have been in treatment for years with a psychiatrist and a therapist, and I take my medication daily as instructed. I do not drink or use drugs. I am committed to my mental health to prove that people like me can lead full lives.
My family wants me to stay where they live forever, but I dream of moving back down south, where I lived on my own before. I loved the culture, art, weather, and friends. Whenever I bring it up, they dismiss it. I think they’re afraid that I will start hallucinating again and not have a support system there.
I will be graduating soon from a master’s program in counseling, and I look at jobs online all the time. Is it wise to move away from my family with my disorder? Do I sit them down and explain that I was my happiest when I lived there and want to return? I love them and don’t want to hurt them. I think if I have a plan in place and stay on track with medication, it would be safe. — CONFLICTED IN THE NORTH
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