New to the Group

I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 4 years ago, but after really taking a look back at my life, I guess the signs were there before. I kept my mood swings to myself or when I couldn't keep them hidden I always had a "reasonable" explanation for why I was feeling the way I was (stressful day, PMS, great news, etc..).

I was searching for a support group where I can be myself. You see, I am a counselor myself, and it's easy for me to treat my patients, but I just feel like I have no one (except my doctor) who I can talk to about it. I feel like I always must be perfect when I'm around colleagues or patients. I have to admit that last week I was desperate to talk to someone, just to know that someone understands. So I joined, but I didn't know if I could really "fit in" here, so it took me a while to decide to post.

I have lots of things I would like to talk about with my peers, but not my colleagues. I hope these support groups (I am posting on the Bipolar II support group as well) will be what I am looking for.

Thanks.

Post edited by: akwolf71, at: 12/17/2007 19:18

Post edited by: akwolf71, at: 12/17/2007 19:25

Anyways

Welcome

Be blessed

Welcome. I read alot of posts on this site, and others before, I was ready to join one. I was pretty shy about it. I feel more comfortable on this site than anywhere else, I have been.

I was diagnosed with depression when I was 14 yrs old, and again, when, I was 29 yrs old. I finally got properly diagnosed 5 yrs ago, but, no one educated me on this illness. They just gave me meds, and told me to go get a job. I didn't stay on the meds, and continued to struggle with my life, and the depression for 5 more years, until, I got so sick, that, I went for help. I finally got on meds, and educated myself 8 mos ago, and have been serious about getting help ever since. It takes awhile sometimes.

Anyway, this is a great site, and I hope enjoy being here, like I have.

Godbless, Gypsy

AKWolf

Hi and thanks for your response. Yes I have read one of her books...She's one of my heroes..I hope to read more of them someday. So far I am feeling welcomed, and like I can be myself. Thank you again.

Ak Wolf

Good Morning. I can relate to your situation as I am a Peer Counselor specializing in Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorders, Depression, Anxiety and OCD. It's difficult for me to talk to my colleagues about my illnesses - I am Bipolar, Borderline and OCD - as there is always a part of me that feels they are judging me for it - part of the illness.

Also, like you, I find it easier to counsel my clients and help them through their illnesses and symptoms. It's easier for me to keep the focus on their healing sometimes rather than my own. I also took a while of coming here and reading the posts before joining and posting as I wasn't sure I'd quite fit in either. However, I've met some great people on here and it's great to have somewhere to go to talk about what I'm going through without having to always be the strong one and the together one as I need to be with my clients.

I hope you find this group and whatever others you join here to be helpful and comforting as I have. Welcome and I look forward to talking with you.

Misty