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Posted 2/13/2007 7:56 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I was diagnosed with bipolar2 back in November.

Due to circumstances that were beyond my control, I didn't actually begin treatment until mid-January.

I'm almost 4 weeks into my lithium, and have seen a psychologist for talk therapy twice so far. I have every intention on seeing him regularly because I fully believe therapy will help me - maybe even moreso than medications.

I first began therapy at the age of 15 after threatening suicide. I stayed in therapy for 5 years - my psychologist (the same one I'm seeing now) suggested way back then that part of my problem could be a chemical imbalance. But...I never pursued it.

I did ok until my son was born in 1997. He was 3 months premature and gave us a scare. I'm pretty sure my current depressive state got jump started by post partum depression - I just didn't notice the signs because I was so concerned with my son's health.

I've lived the last 10 years under a cloud. I haven't been able to enjoy my child (who is as healthy as can be these days) and I haven't been able to enjoy life itself.

My marriage has been rocky the last few years, and I've engaged in some pretty self-destructive behavior. Infidelity has invaded my marriage, financial stresses, parenting challenges...my husband and I are deeply in love, but we're holding on by a thread...and I think a lot of it has to do with this disease.

I have a million questions right now, and probably not a whole lot of advice for anyone just yet. Hopefully I'll become an active member of this board and will be able to contribute as much as I'll gain.

Thanks for reading.

Posted 2/14/2007 3:39 AM (GMT 0)
hey, deb!

welcome to hw and to our disfunctional bp family!

i'm glad your child is healthy.  being a preemie is often dangerous.  my youngest grandaughter was a preemie and had some very serious medical problems when she was a young child.  she is now in colege, plays sports, and gets along wonderfully.   hope your child does as well.

it is my experience that this illness can certainly put a severe strain on a relationship.  i'm glad that you are in counceling, it should help.  i might also suggest therapy for your partner, so that he can learn to better deal with your illness.  i have found that many people have their patner join them in therapy.  the better your partner understands and copes with your illness be stronger your relationship should be.

i hope this helps.  i look forward to your posts.

warren

Posted 2/14/2007 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
hey debrbg496.. how are you? sounds as you are having a rough go of it.. like warren said, WELCOME.. you've found a great bunch of people here.. hang in there, and keep posting.. we'll help you through this!

Duck
Posted 2/14/2007 6:54 PM (GMT 0)

Welcome Deb :-) glad you found us.

I'm happy that you decided to start treatment again , and that your child is coming along fine.

I would love for you to be an active member whether you are asking the questions or answering them - it doesn't matter. Some people find they don't like to ask Qs so it really helps when someone else asks first....like an icebreaker....so ask away yeah

Posted 2/14/2007 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hey,i'm also new here debrbg496 so i'm in the same situation as you,i'm looking to contributing to the forum. Hey,i'm sure the therapy will help you,the fact you've managed to get married and have children while suffering from bipolar shows your a winner,that stuff is beyond my comprehension. I hope you find yourself back on the rails again soon and you and your husband and kid get through the rocky stage, remember it's a team game.
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