new to the group HI

Hello to all,

I am new to this so have patience with me. I try to write back to everyone. I never have been in an online support group, and where I live i can't even find any support let alone a good dr. anyway, I try to manage everyday, but I really need to get my family involved too- maybe a support group for family members of those with Bi-Polar disorder etc. They just don't get it- and i am 45! I am glad u are all here...maybe i will learn lots! Peace to all, Carla/ aka karmagrl45

I am new to peer support groups of any kind. I have been struggling with mental illness since I was 35, and have had two psyhciatrists but never peer support. I think you will like it here very much. Everyone I have met here has been just great, and I have gotten some really good advice. I'm not very good at giving support yet. I was so nervous the first time I replied to someone here. Everyone has been very patient with my newbishness, though. Don't be worried about that.

DC

PS - I think MDjunction has a support group for family. I have never visited there, but I think I have seen it on the login page.

Post edited by: DreamChaser, at: 05/07/2008 07:35

Welcome. I was new to online support until I happened upon this site, and I gotta be honest with you, along with my wifes family, the wonderful people here have carried me thru the darkest days of my life.

My wife is BP, and has been basically stable throughout or 20 year marriage. That is until she stopped taking her medication about a year ago and became extremely manic, delusional and paranoid last fall. There were 6 hospitalizations, mostly unsuccessful at stabilizing her, she fled our home between most of the hospitalizations, living in the best hotels, spending like a millionare, acussing me of being physically and emotionally abusive, infiedlity, etc. To keep a LONG story short, we finally found the right medications and she is now stable, home with me and our children, and totally committed to our relationship.

As far as getting your family involved, that is a great idea. I'm sure you can use all the support you can get. By family, I'm not sure if you mean your husband/SO/children or your siblings/parents/etc, or both. Either way, a good way for your family to get involved is on this site, specifically, the Bipolar in the Family Support Group. There are lots of great people there who are in similar situations, can offer advise, support and understanding. Your family can get feedback from other family members of bipolars, and from bipolars, too.

I don't know if there are any support groups in your area for family members, but I understand they are few and far between.

If your family would like, they could contact me and I would be glad to talk with them. I am NOT a professional, but I do have some experience as a BPSO and would be glad to share. PM me if you think they might be interested and I'll let you know how to contact me.

How about you? How are you doing? Are you being treated for your BP? Let us know, there are MANY on this site willing to offer support and advise.

Sending you the best wishes,

Paul

Post edited by: keepthefaith, at: 05/07/2008 12:38

Post edited by: keepthefaith, at: 05/07/2008 12:43

Come on in, prop your feet up and make yourself at home. Glad you are here.

Feel free to join in anywhere.

GOD BLESS

RED

Welcome, I am glad you have found us. Feel free to jump right in. The water is just right. I have bipolar 1 with rapid cycling. You said you are having a hard time finding a doctor? or Support? Contact Nami.org. They might have a list of groups in your area, as well as psychiatrists.Contact County mental health as well.

As you can see you are definitely not alone.