Well, i figured i'd write a journal entry today since it's been a while.  Thanks for taking the time to read this.  I've been on DS for about two moths now.  I've made some great friends and seem to have alot in common with certain people.  my friends list isn't extensive.  i'm always looking for new ones as this is fun for me.  At the present moment, I'm writing in my Journal and feeling good.  For the first time in about five months, i've felt as if i'm finally off of the up and down rollercoaster ride I was on.  FINALLY!!!!  Wasn't sur if i could take any more.  my doc. found the right addition to the "cocktail" of meds that I'm on.  It feels good to feel good.  i want to be of help to anyone who needs it.  i used to be a teacher/counselor for adolescents with emotional and behavioral problems. so...I'm a good talker but and excellent listener and now that I'm more medically/psychologically stable, i may be able to offer you some support and guidance cuz I have been "sick" for a while.Diagnosed after my father passed away.  misdiagnosed after hospitialization with the first bout of dpression/suicide attempts(failed-Thank God) with a diagnosis of depression.  then,  a few years later I had a manic episode which then changed my diagnosis to bipolar.  i know what it's like to swing from one extreme to another.  i know what it's like to be on the brutal rollercoaster rides of emotions.  i know what it's like to live with a mental ilness.  first diagnosis was in 1999, then the real diagnosis was 2004 so i've basically been dealing with this illness for almost nine years.  i don't claim to be an expert but have been unstale and then stable then unstable again and the cycle has continued for almost nine years. I'm also an alcoholic.  Have been for approximately 15 years and am only recently sober.  it's been a year and seven months for me as of yesterday.  i continue to struggle with my sobriety but am feeling better b/c of it.well, it's great to be able to write a journal entry even if nobody reads it.  I Love all my friends on the DS site and I'm happy to be a member.  Please contact me if you need some support.  I'm happy to give it and slightly skilled due to my work background.  i'm also a good friend.  Peace, LOLA***