So, after the mini (maxi?) breakdown, I found a local depression and bipolar support group. I did a search and there happened to be a meeting last night. I was a little hesitant about it being too extreme, but figured I'd try.
It turned out to be a large group (12 people?). The format was to just go around the room and for each person to have 5-10 minutes to talk, with some feedback from others in the room. It was a mix of ages, a mix of diagnoses (though mostly bipolar) and a mix of severity (my current 3 medications I think was the lowest number of meds people were on). There were a few family members/ partners. Everyone was very welcoming.
They meet weekly, and I'm not sure I'll go weekly. It's 2 hours! Though it is close by. It was nice to be able to vent a little, and sadly, to see that my situation could be a lot worse. Though, when I mentioned something about M and my feeling that he doesn't believe in mental illness (and I'm talking extreme here, I know) they all practically in one voice said, he wants you to 'get over it'. Yeah, a common thing people hear it seems... Not that he's said that...
Anyway, just thought I'd let you know.
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6 comments:
Glad to hear you got proactive and found this group! I know it helps talking to others who are going through similar trials.
And, boy, don't you just wish it was something you could simply decide to "get over"? Geez.
Good for you. I think I've said this before, but it doesn't go away by itself. Help of some sort is the only way.
And to be honest, one thing that helped me was to realize that it could be worse. A lot worse.
Good luck!
After reading the past two entries--I'd have to say I'm glad you had those two hours.
Two hours.
120 minutes in a week of 10,080? I'm thinking it's worthwhile. Just sayin'.
And 'can't you just get over it' is a great misunderstanding based on ignorance and/or frustration. He's still hangin' around. He needs some patience, just as you do.
I'm not sure I understand the thinking around decreasing the antidepressants--might wanna check with the physician involved to see if that's in your best interest?
On the other hand...I might be completely wrong.....
Hi Laura, well, yes, though I think all their trials are worse. I felt a little out of place. And let me be clear he never said that. It was just my feeling, and I realize I've never said that to him so need to.
3GK (ha, I've been writing it 3GN since it sounds like an N). Yeah, that 'it could be a lot worse' doesn't often work too well for me, but I'll try it again. I'm fully aware that each person has different baselines. But maybe that's an excuse.
Mel, well, maybe. But it's 2 hours in which I only get 5-10 minutes. But I guess it's not supposed to be therapy... And I think it's frustration, which I understand.
The reasoning for decreasing the antidepressant - my old psych did that when I was first getting on the lamictal because she felt it pushed me too high. And it seemed to work. it goes against some traditional thinking, but at least this psych is letting me try it.
Ah. I get the thinking with the medication alteration now!
Oh. And I feel compelled to say--that's 5-10 minutes to talk and 110 to listen/hear and learn something.
Sounds right! :-D
I still copy and paste any of your posts about bipolar stuff to my friend who also has it. She says it helps to read them. So, thanks again for sharing. At least you know you're helping others....
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