happy to find this support group!

Thank you all, Liz

I was recently diagnosed but it was kind of strange. My therapist and the LCSW who prescribes the medications told me I 'might' have bipolar. That was in November of 2006. I had some strange things happening, like I tried to jump out of a moving vehicle because I was angry, I tried to help a young girl all by myself out in the street who was being attacked by a young man. I was screaming at him to leave her alone, and it was very late at night. My husband was very worried about me of course, I went in to call the police and he suggested that I should have called the police FIRST, and not tried to interrupt the attack myself. I didn't think of that.

Anyway, I was in therapy about 5 years ago too, and was being treated by the same individuals. They told me a few months ago that they think I had BP then and it went undiagnosed. They haven't outright said "You have bipolar" though so that is what is strange to me, but I think they realize that I might 'flip' out a little if it's official. I am definitely low, and I find that part of it is not eating right. The other part is I have started drinking in the evenings. The most I allow myself is 2. BUT it still affects me. Badly. The next day I am so down. I know I am rambling but I want to get the story out so bear with me, please. My mother is very demanding and pressures me to help her and always be there for her, and she wants to come over all the time, tries to diagnose me and tell me what to do. I have had to overcome many issues like codependence and so on... and am doing well with that. But my mother brings me right back to those days, and I find I have to take a nap after I have discussions with her. She is always on a high - I believe she may suffer with a mood disorder. My sisters -- a few of them, have also been diagnosed with such things as Bipolar or Borderline Personality Disorder. I will save the rest for later, or this will be a LARGE post. Thank you for caring. Liz

PS - you may want to get the Bipolar Workbook - I can't get my husb to use it (yet) but I read through it and think it could be very helpful in tracking your moods and triggers, etc. - and how to cope at different stages.

You mentioned the BP workbook, I think I have that. I have a STACK of BP books that I bought on amazon.com, and I have yet to read that one. I will get started!

And remember, take care of yourself, too.

I always felt so alone, I am so glad to find this support forum. Thanks for writing me.