I’m in my 40’s, living in the SE United States. I’m married. We have 2 boys ages 18 and 10. We have a golden retriever named Riley.

My oldest son is going to college in about a month. I’m not ready for him to leave, and at the same time I’m happy he is able to pursue his dream of being a doctor. He says he wants to help others largely because he’s seen a lot of what I’ve gone through.

I was diagnosed in my late 20’s with bipolar after 2 suicide attempts and 3 hospitalizations. I have been med compliant since then except for in the very beginning (denial). I’ve been in therapy for many years now, mostly CBT.

I’ve been on DS since about 2007. I like to cook and read. My reading tastes are all over the board from fiction to non-fiction. I enjoy watching movies and TV with my family. We like to watch Big Brother together and various other reality tv shows.

I’m a history buff. When I’m not busy taking care of my family my favorite is to watch the History or Travel Channels.

Bipolar has taken a lot from me and I have a lot of guilt and shame from past manic episodes. I mostly stay on the depressive side of the spectrum these days. I live a pretty quiet life. Although it has taken a lot, bipolar has also given me a lot, like a level empathy and sympathy for others I could not have before.

My name is May, I've been off and on DS since 2007 it remains a good place to give and get support. I find I'm better when I check in with fellow beepers.

I got diagnosed in my mid twenties, had a bunch of hospitalizations, found through support that I could find a middle path with this illness. I made many mistakes and let moods rule my life for too long. Medication only half worked for me, I found it to be a piece of the Bipolar pie not the whole pie.

I limped along for many years working as a treatment coordinator for an orthodontist. I found in 2005 I could no longer keep my sanity and work at a break neck pace. I went back to college to get the BA I couldn't in my 20's.

I went back to sewing I worked in a costume shop for theater company in my 20's now I quilt and make things for the kitchen. I'm planning on opening an ETSY store. DS helps keep me out of denial....

Hi I’m kisses. I am approaching thirty years old I am diagnosed with Nipolar 1, ptsd, anxiety disorder. I was diagnosed five years ago and have been on meds consistently maybe three years. I currently take lithium, Zyprexa, trazodone, Wellbutrin, and I ya e a pen for ativan that I am currently not taking. I live with my parents who while they can be a pain in the as and demanding, remain supportive and understanding. I have one dog of my own who is my best friend. Igave been I. Ds five years

I’ve been on DS six years *

Hi! I’m in my 40’s with two kids in middle school, married over 15yrs. We have a family dog.

Was originally diagnosed as possibly bipolar 2 or major depressive, PTSD in college after a serious car accident when I was struck as a pedestrian. Was on medication for a short time. Was unmedicated until after children were born. Then I started having emerging depressive symptoms, along with when I had some other serious health issues. Was given an antidepressant that sent me into mania with psychotic features. It took years to find the right combination of the right medications.

Eventually was diagnosed as BP1, with anxiety added in, but not after it almost destroyed my life and most relationships. Most all friends were cruel right back. They wouldn’t accept my apologies and I think enjoy shaming me to this day. I feel there is such a stigma that still exists with mental illness, especially a serious one like BP. I think people assumed I was acting that way on purpose.

I’ve been rebuilding my life and work with my doctor, take daily meds, and see a therapist on a regular basis. Has been that way for almost 10yrs now. I also chose to stop drinking entirely over 4 years ago.

I’ve not been on DS a year yet, but this is an amazing group. I’m always learning, being humbled by this disease and thank each one of you for your sharing and support.

I try to volunteer when not being a stay at home Mom and all that entails. Among other things: I enjoy art/crafts, cooking, reading, family time and the outdoors.

great, more intros please :)

I never know what to say at this point which is why I have taken so long to post on this thread. people call me 'irish' and have done so since I joined in 2007 like many others around here. (so good to see so many old faces back again. you have been missed badly). I have been living with Bipolar for about 36/38yrs on and off as many meds as you could care to name. as the name indicates I am a published writer of poetry/plays/prose, have worked as correspondent for newspapers over the years and have taught creative writing while writing/producing and directing plays for years. I am a chef and have an extensive background in psychology which I also taught for several years. I wear many hats and have done loads of voluntary work. that's the C/V out of the way... I haven't worked much outside of my home for the last few years due to fibromyalgia, arthritis, GAD, and have become increasingly more isolated. I am med compliant but extremely med resistant (some meds work for a few months and then stop so we have to start from scratch again). I have been lucky in having a wonderful pdoc and tdoc for many years both in sync with combinations of music, reading, diet, exercise, meds, dbt and cbt and of course mindfulness. I have also found meditation to be a very useful tool. I also enjoy attending the odd local shamanic meetings just for the peaceful/spiritual lovely people I meet there and i enjoy the soft drumming. I am very sensitive to noise/ no tv or radio and generally have a pretty silent house. when I do venture out, it takes me days to recover afterwards so I save my /spoons' for important events. I have three children 25 yrs girl, 30 and 32yrs boys, it has been a long road and this is turning into a novel so I will shut up.
I look forward to getting to know everyone better as time goes on. DS has saved my life several times and is my main family.

great, more please :)

I am from Michigan. I was dxd with Bipolar 2 back in 2006. I have been on many different meds, but currently I take Seroquel and Lamictal. I have a real LOSER provider, but mental health care providers are scarce where I live.

I am between jobs right now. I enjoy going to the Gym 7 days a week, swimming and reading (when I have the clarity that is. I do not have a support system. I am glad that hat I found all of you

bumping this for newcomers

I am stigmata138, formally chris138 (see above).

It was really nice to read through this again!!

seeing as we have some new members and some retunees I thought I'd give this a bump.

Great bump...… Come on newby's we wanna see ya.....smile

Well, I'm not a Newbie, but I've let several years slip by...

I'm Mary Anne, age 54, first dx'd BP1 in 1986 and spent a Lifetime not being responsible for my own illness.

Which is a shame, because as good a time as I had in life, I now have many regrets as to all the years I spent unmedicated.

I am currently stable and have been so for several years - a record for me - and I am choosing to do the things necessary to Stay stable.

I have a life partner who is dx'd BP2, and we now both have mild health issues.

I have one son, age 30, who has come through many struggles and is now a wonderful man of God, working full time for his Church and is engaged to a beautiful young woman.

We also have two cats! Who are our babies, and I talk to them as I would any person. Lol

Bipolar horror stories available on request, as is a shoulder to cry on. We MADE it this far, folks. Let's go a little further, shall we?

Mary Anne :)