Dear Abby: My family is afraid Ill start hallucinating again without a support system near me

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 NORTHDEAR CONFLICTED: Have you discussed this with your therapist and psychiatrist? If they both sign off on the move, your family will have less cause for concern.

Bring a family spokesperson with you and have your therapist go over the support plan for your new environment.The spokesperson can then help you ease the worries of the rest of the family.If, however, your care providers don’t think it’s wise to move right now, please listen to them.

Ask them to outline some milestones you can work toward to make moving south a healthier goal for the future.** ** **DEAR ABBY: My brother died a year ago.I have been visiting his widow, “Cheryl,” twice a month ever since.

She lives an hour away and doesn’t get around very well.I drive to her house, and I treasure my time with her.

She was the love of my brother’s life. My problem is my sister, “Kate.” Kate is self-centered, whiny, disruptive, and generally unpleasant.I spend a...