Dear Bipolar Friends:

I have been struggling with mental health issues since 2004.  I remember that date specifically because it is when I had my  first panic attack.  Mental health issues (depression, OCD, etc.) run in my family: father, mother, both brothers ... all of us.  So it is not surprising that I suffer as well.  I am the lucky one who got the worst case of it.

BTW, I have been on and off Daily Strength for anxiety and depression over the years.  I always find it comforting.  I'm not sure why I end up drifting away.

Good news for me, in 2013 I FINALLY got in to see a psychiatrist and she (dare I use the "c" word?).  Yes, I will throw caution to the wind and say cured.  She prescribed a medication called Trileptal (an anticonvulsant) for my panic attacks and generized anxiety.  That was nine years ago.  I am thrilled to report that I have not had a single panic attack or episode of generalized anxiety since.  Yay!!! for me.

Ooops!!! Got off track.  I was getting to the fact that I was diagnosed as bipolar about six years ago.  My mental health rollercoaster rolls on.  This time I hope to stick with Daily Strength, make friends, learn from other's experiences, and help where I can.

I would love it if you would send me a few words of encouragement.  I would like to make friends and have ongong conversations about this latest mental health challenge.  I doubt that I will ever "beat" bipolar, but I am determined to find the most effective way to live with it.  I hope you will all be part of helping me do that.  Thank you.

I was feeling super low, but somewhat better since writing this.

So, hello bipolar friends.  I look forward to getting to know you better.

The Rollercoaster