Newbie Introduction

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-23-2004
Newbie Introduction
2
Mon, 11-08-2004 - 5:17pm
Hi everyone. I just wanted to introduce myself a little before I start posting.

The basics:

- 32 years old

- Recently married (2 months) for the third time

- 3 kids (8, 11, & 14 (stepchild))

- Work full-time as a computer programmer

- Attending graduate school online

- Meds: 50mg zoloft, 750 mg Depakote, .25 xanax X 3 (as needed)

Now for the messy part - all the crazy things going on in my head. I have suffered from depression my entire life (and maybe hypomania - not really sure), been on and off meds, in and out of therapy. About 3 years ago I experienced a TBI (traumatic brain injury). Things really went downhill after that.

Anyhow, I recently tried switch anti-depressants and got so loopy that I switched docs. A friend who's working on her master's in psychology kept telling me I was bipolar. The docs won't diagnose me as bipolar yet. They say the mood swings may be part of my TBI and/or related to alcohol/caffeine abuse but the treatment is pretty much the same. I've managed to get completely off caffeine but the alcohol is difficult for me. I did start therapy again recently. Regardless of what they call it I have the equivalent of ultra rapid cycling bipolar but generally my manic episodes tend to be negative. There's only been a couple times when I was convinced I should try out for the Olympics or stayed up all night writing a book that would change the world.

All this craziness is really putting a strain on my new marriage. My husband just opened a third business and is gone a lot more. It is also hunting season so he's gone on the weekends. We lived together for a year and got along very well. I just increased my depakote and it seems to be helping. He is a sweet and wonderful man but my behavior bewilders him. He has done some reading and research but it still seems bizarre.

I just found out today that I have a new job (my dream job) *and* its very close to home. I quit my current job and just walked out - not my usual behavior but it was the worst job I've ever had. Anyhow, I don't start the new job for two weeks. I plan to spend those two weeks resting and getting my life in order. As I'm sure all of you know, even a positive change can cause stress for those of us with mood disorder. I plan to hang around a chat a lot over the next couple weeks.

Thanks to everyone for reading. It helps just to talk about it. I have done a great deal of research and I hope I can offer support and helpful hints to all of you as well.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 11-09-2004 - 1:19pm
Hey there and welcome! I'm so glad you decided to post! I'm Keli and I'm 34 years old and have an almost 14 year old son...I've been BP since I was about 14 years old, but only dx'ed and medicated for the last few years...and it has been a STRUGGLE! UGH! I'm sure you'll hear story after story from me in the days to come! I'm really glad you're here, we're very supportive to each other and a real blessing in my eyes!

Hugs,

Keli

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Tue, 11-09-2004 - 2:48pm

Welcome, glad you found us--this is a great group and a wonderful place of support.


When you get a chance, please check out our Newcomers post.


Hugs,


Marci co-CL


P.S.