Yes, all three.

Pregnant, no spouse but I do have a boyfriend. Pretty healthy, stable relationship besides my ups and downs so far. I'm a full-time university student and I work part-time in an office on campus. I'm scared I won't have the career or spouse either. ((Hugs))

I have a part time job. Not a career now. I did have kind of a career before. I had a few permutations of success. Now it's just the part time job. I don't know if I can do much more. I am older now and I kind of have a peace about stuff. I know this isn't my fault and I don't worry about people judging me. I hope it's not you who are judging yourself!
Peace!

I have a supportive husband and 2 great kids. No career. I had a great career but now can't work due to this illness. Don't give up hope! Everyone is different. I understand feeling judged. I can even feel badly about posting about my family on here sometimes b/c I'm fortunate and some think and say..."oh, what does she have to be upset about." Having a family doesn't fix it is what I'm trying to say.

I have a severe debilitating illness and I still fight like hell every single day to stay well. It doesn't make it easier just different. There's a whole set and level of "being a burden" and a slew of other challenges with family. I have to take responsibility for myself and being at peace where I am. Does that make sense? Hang in there. (((Hugs)))

That's really the thing, isn't it? It's all about Perspective. I'm divorced now, son is nearly 26, and fairly recent to disability.

I "had" a spouse, kid and career. I was diagnosed much earlier, but looking back, I had thought (before) that I just Fell Apart in my mid-30's, which started the ball rolling to a nervous breakdown, drastic changes and a growing Inability to handle the stress.

What I think Now, is that I Always handled stress poorly, which is why I Had the breakdown in the First place. If I could do it over, Jen? I would have chosen different Jobs (and different Spouse!), relaxed more, stayed on medication (!! did I mention, I spent most of that time Without it??) and quite possibly have Lasted longer in the 'real world'.


It is, of course, possible to have All those things, as you see by some answers here; it's more a matter of how we Deal with them, when we Have them, that makes or breaks it.

But whether you "have" all those things or not, Jen, it does not make YOU of any less value. It just means that boring, traditional people may look at you funny.

:P

I have a spouse and a 14-yo teenager. I once had a career but the times have changed: SOOOO much new info every day and I'm so far behind - I really did love my career, though right now it's not in the cards. I do volunteer once a week for 4 hrs and Im glad to be reciprocating the help I've received from others.

I'm married with no children. I just recently went into the hospital last year for a huge episode that I never want to go through again. I never knew I was sick but all the symptoms were so real I just never looked into bipolar. The meds only do so much and the other anxiety I have to use mindfulness. I will eventually volunteer doing something after my health is in check. I must say I feel cheated on a daily basis. This is something I just have to deal with being dx'd bipolar 9 months ago.

I lost my business because I lost my wits last year and NOBODY talks to me and all I hear is words not very flattering.

I do understand and hope things get better for you soon. Let's work on this together huh?

I had all of those things over the years. the kids have left home now as they got older and i have chosen to cut down time on work and my divorce was an excellent choice!!! always be open to possibilities!! you never know what lies around the corner...hugs.

Yep

I have all three but like someone said earlier, we are all different. I have three kids, a husband, and a teaching career. I teach at a community college, BUT I am taking a break next semester because I need to take care of ME first.

You can definitely have all three and if you don't, it's totally OK.

Having bipolar is something you need to embrace and if someone can't accept the whole you, then they don't deserve you.

I am so lucky to have a spouse who stuck it out even it my most manic times. After being hospitalized, he was still there and actually stayed so we could take care of our three children.

You can definitely find someone like that. They are out there, believe me! Good luck to you and if others judge, it's because they don't get it.

Married 14 yrs, 3 kids , just started a full time job