Kim, 43 F, I am Bipolar II w/very rapid cycling (extreme manic and
depressive cycles) and PTSD, self-injurious, bulimic/anorexic, twice
divorced. I was left diagnosed but untreated for 13 years long and
suffering yeas. I knew something was wrong with me, that I was somehow
different and reacted to situations differently, but I could not control
the mood swings that ruled myself and my life. My young daughters suffered
through my untreated fits of rage and periods of immobilized depressive
states and periods of feeling like I could save the world. The PTSD left
me with a flat emotional affect or over0emotional to situations. The GAD
had me hiding in the closet,
sucking my thumb, jumping every time someone coughed. The insomnia from
all the disorders was complicating the mood imbalance.
I was, and am still, treated with 300 mg 3x daily of lithium carbonate
and referred to counseling and support groups which the combination has
helped tremendously. I also quit the alcohol and drugs that at one time
had given me a temporary reprieve from the feelings of uselessness and
self-pity. Have been sober and on meds for 7+ years and am now, finished
college and earned a degree, and am working as a substance abuse counselor
for a program that specializes in clients with substance abuse and mental
health disorders.
My email is hope4me@bellsouth.net
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