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
