Posted 5/5/2013 11:21 PM (GMT 0)
My ex dropped off our son after the weekend. We were chatting about his newish relationship. I commented "Why couldn't you be like that 8 years ago?" (oops, actually 10 years ago) He said with a laugh, "Why couldn't you have been on meds 8 years ago?"
There is hope for repairing relationships with a person with bipolar disorder, whether or not there was a divorce. If the person with bipolar disorder is willing and able to take responsiblity for treatment and self-care, things can work out. It might take years. For me it has been 4 years since diagnosis (5 years since divorce).
Since I grew up with bipolar disorder, every day that is normal and stable is a precious gift. It's hard to believe that this has been possible for me. I am very thankful for the people on this forum that were my first support years ago. Y'all motivated me to do better, to learn more, to practice coping skills, to trust my Dr. Friendships formed here helped me create routines and habits for the first time in my life. I went from being unable to remember to take meds daily (even unable to brush my teeth daily) to having a normal life filled with daily and weekly routines.
I am very thankful for the past year of stability and have much hope for the future. Now that I have been able to work (!!!!!), I am dreaming of becoming financially independent.