Hello my name is Michelle, I'm a 33 y/o female who has been diagnosed with Bi Polar. I entered a hospital here in my hometown in April 2002 knowing that I was in a severe depression. My older sister who is 3 years older & my only full sibling had been diagnosed with Bi Polar before hand & she lost her kids to her ex in laws this is just one of many things that she has suffered in loses due to this illness. I had been doing research on this illness before I entered the hospital on my own will seeking help. I stayed a total of 10 days in the hospital & was treated for depression. I was labeled a manic depressive person with Bi Polar. I would like to exchange emails with people who are suffering from BiPolar or ADHD or family members of someone that is suffering from these illness. There is nothing to be ashamed of unless you know you need help & don't seek the help you need. My son is 8 years old and has ADHD he has been on a medicine called Concerta that has helped him wonderfully. He suffered in school & I'm pleased to say he has came so far by me seeking the help that he needed. I lost my job of 12 1/2 years in August of 2001. They said I voluntarily quit but I believed my actions I was showing at the time caused my separation. In 4 months my job was in the paper & this hurt me badly. That was just one of many downfalls that I experienced before I went into the hospital in April 2002. I divorced in 2000 but that wasn't anything like what I was going through afterwards. There was abuse throughout my marriage. After I spent the time in the hospital & got out 10 days later & went to take the steps I needed for help a man that I thought was helping me out took me & my son several states away were he left us. During that time on May 6, 2002 my home was burnt down by arsonists & I still have a lawsuit going to straighten out the issues about that. My daughter who turned 14 just recently is at her fathers & wants to come home . Her father has made things very difficult for me. However I am on daily medication & seek counseling & am not afraid to speak of my illness. It's not my fault or my sons fault that we have the illness we have. I have strength now but it still is weak at times. I have my kids that need me & give me the faith I need to overcome suicide thoughts that I have felt many many times. 

I would love to be a email volunteer and to help anyone that is willing to give me the chance to make a difference & share what I know about these particular illness's. It's nothing to be ashamed about. It's very hard when you like somebody & then they ask why I draw Social Security & when I tell them I have bipolar (not all of them however) I never hear from them again. I have learned to deal with it & people like that I do not need anyhow.

My email is: Mfoleyky@aol.com