Just wondering.........., why are you here, on this Message Board ?
Because....,
Or....,
Or....,
Or...,
Just wondering............,
The main reason I am wondering is that I see so many people asking
questions.
And so many people answering, with..., sometimes good advice,
and sometimes not so good advice..........,
GeeGee
I started here because I needed to find information concernig being Type II Bi-Polar.
Then I discovered I didn't fit.
Then I discovered I wasn't Bi-Polar AT ALL...
Now I'm here for THREE reasons,
1) I made some VERY good friends visiting here.
2) I see so many people who need advice and suggestions.
3) I also jump in to protect the vulnerable when I see 'some people' giving very bad advice, that they shouldn't...
How's that?
Hedge~
__________________
Hedge
Last edited by Hedgehog No 1; 07-03-2005 at 10:56 AM.
WOW ! What a story you have ! And, ' three great reasons ' !
How's that ? " WONDERFUL " !
I can't imagine this board without You !
I know you have helped a lot of folks on here.
I am really bothered sometimes, by the questions folks ask.
It's just unreal to me.
I do wish some folks could have a better relationships with their BPDoc's !
Do you agree ?
I have met some great friends here, which is a good thing for me. I don't
have much of anybody to talk to, except for my GH, and I know he gets a
bit tired sometimes.
I see a lot of people who need advice and suggestions, and compassion,
and etc., too !
I try to be kind, and offer only my advice to those who seem to be
receiving very bad advice they shouldn't be giving too !
I came here out of desparation to understand what I did not - my only experience with BP prior to being with my BF was a former co-worker's BF who had (I only am able to identify the type now) BPI and never stayed on his meds (it was pretty scary) and distortion from the media/tv.
I am still here because I know to never make the mistake of believing that there is an end to educating myself and I continue to learn by asking questions, being a quiet observer, and even helping others (hopefully!).
And of course the wonderful people whom I've met here are irreplacable. It is therapeutic and almost like an extended family.
Hmm just saw both Hedge and Gee Gee post after me on a reply that I made to someone. Guess I'm insecure but it seems like a funny coincidence that this post comes up afterwards.
If it's not about me then I guess, thanks for making sure everyone gets good advice
I came to HealthBoards orginally in 2002 because my Dad had died of Colon Cancer - I spent time on the Colon Cancer Board feeling not so alone and more able to talk to people who had gone through what me & my famly had.
Then, I thought - Hey, I ought to check to see if there is as good a group of people with what I've lived with since I was little - Bipolar Disorder. Sure enough, once I was on the board awhile and pitched in with help on stuff I know something about, I found just as great a support here.
After my Dad died I didn't exactly sink into a bipolar depression, but it definitely set me back. I quit working for the first time in almost 30 yrs and stayed home for two years.
The people on the Bipolar Boards basically became my SOLE support for that period of time.
Now I just can't stop coming by - I get embarrassed by the number of posts I have but it really doesn't make me any better or worse than anyone here (just more addicted I suppose!)
There's just something to be said for being with people who DO know EXACTLY what you are going thru - and THAT is what I have here with all of you.
I came here last summer to learn more from other BPs. I come here and anothr board. I have learned more from the people on these boards then I have from my Dr. or med info. I read the post a lot so I am not very known.
Location: Minnesota, just moved from California where I lived my whole life.
Posts: 447
Re: Why are you here................, ?
Hi Guys,
I'm here because I feel supported and understood here, and I have people to talk to who I feel care about me. I also like to try to help others when I can, and try and give insight about how to live with bipolar disorder.
( I always think my advice is good, but we all have our own opinions.. ~that's what makes it interesting )
Moving so far away from home was really difficult last year, and my medications were'nt working for me. I really didn't know much of anything about how to manage my condition before I came here. I read a couple of books, but you only get one point of view that way, this way, you get several.
Coming here helped me feel like I was a part of something positive. I have learned so much about the illness and what our signifigant others go through being our partners.
I don't know if I would find the time to go somewhere to join a support group, but being online is so convienient, I can just find a minute or two between chores, and not worry about leaving my family to drive someplace, I'm still right here if they need me.
You all are wonderful, and I'm so glad I found you! And thanks for another good thread Gee Gee!!
I came here out of desparation to understand what I did not - my only experience with BP prior to being with my BF was a former co-worker's BF who had (I only am able to identify the type now) BPI and never stayed on his meds (it was pretty scary) and distortion from the media/tv.
I am still here because I know to never make the mistake of believing that there is an end to educating myself and I continue to learn by asking questions, being a quiet observer, and even helping others (hopefully!).
And of course the wonderful people whom I've met here are irreplacable. It is therapeutic and almost like an extended family.
From Gee Gee, Hi There Angel !
Thanks for your reply !
I know what you mean about the media. I believe it is a shame that,
there is so much stigma attached to Bipolar disorder.
Then, sometimes we look up and see someone like ' Jane Paulie ', come
out with her story of being Bipolar. And, she also shared her book !
Please don't get me wrong, I am sorry that she has IT, but sharing her story
with the media seems to take a bit of the edge off things.
I guess/hope by her story makes people realize that Bipolar disorder can
happen to ANYONE ! Do you agree ?
I think you are very smart to try most anything to
understand Bipolar disorder, because of your BF !
Not many people would be as aware and interested, and patient enough to
stick with your BF, like you have ! I totally do admire you for all that you
do for him. And, I know the going gets rough sometimes,
but I still see you hanging in there.......,
I surely DO agree that we can never be too educated on this subject !
I was diagnosed in 1985, and I am still searching for answers. Duuuuh,lol.
I also admire you for listening, asking questions, and for being able to
share and help others, as you are certainly doing..,
I feel very fortunate to continually meet wonderful people TOO !
I agree that this is good therapy here, and I feel that we are one big
extended family, TOO !
Keep up the great things you are doing now, and ' Best of luck in the Future !'
Take Care,
Gee Gee
Well, I am glad you are still here, in spite of the situation you were in, when
you did join the group. Sorry about your Dad.
I have been told that losing a family member can trigger a Manic episode.
I know it has surely happened to me, more than once.
Also, I am glad you are here to take advantage of your knowledge, to be
able to help others, as you are surely doing ALL THE TIME !
I hope you want really be too embarrassed about posting. Girl, we all need
your help, you know ?
Also, I am glad that you feel good from the support you receive,
by being here too !
Ruth, I feel the same as you do, in that this is the place we can go to
know that the people on this board DO know exactally how
we feel, and what we are going through...,
I came here last summer to learn more from other BPs. I come here and anothr board. I have learned more from the people on these boards then I have from my Dr. or med info. I read the post a lot so I am not very known.
From Gee Gee, Hi ! Soniarose,
Thanks for your reply !
I am so glad you feel good about coming here, and I hope you feel that
you can come here ANYTIME !
WOW ! That's pretty heavy..., ' You have learned more from the people on
these boards than you have from your Dr., or Med. info. !!! '
It definately does help to come here, doesn't it ? After all, noone knows
how we feel or what we are going through unless they have BEEN THERE !
It's like the old Indian Proverb : " How could you know how I feel, until
you walk for a moon in my moccasins..., "
I'm here because I feel supported and understood here, and I have people to talk to who I feel care about me. I also like to try to help others when I can, and try and give insight about how to live with bipolar disorder.
( I always think my advice is good, but we all have our own opinions.. ~that's what makes it interesting )
Moving so far away from home was really difficult last year, and my medications were'nt working for me. I really didn't know much of anything about how to manage my condition before I came here. I read a couple of books, but you only get one point of view that way, this way, you get several.
Coming here helped me feel like I was a part of something positive. I have learned so much about the illness and what our signifigant others go through being our partners.
I don't know if I would find the time to go somewhere to join a support group, but being online is so convienient, I can just find a minute or two between chores, and not worry about leaving my family to drive someplace, I'm still right here if they need me.
You all are wonderful, and I'm so glad I found you! And thanks for another good thread Gee Gee!!
~~heather~~
From Gee Gee, Hello ! My Friend, Heather,
Thanks for your reply ! I hope you are doing well, and having a great weekend !
You are such a Dear, and I believe this board wouldn't be the same without
you ! I know folks here appreciate you, and I think you have helped a lot
of people, and maybe some that you don't even know about. Ya know ?
I think your advice is always good. And, am so glad you are willing to share
it with us !
And, like you say, we all have different opinions, which we are all intitled to,
and that's what makes things more interesting.
I'm with you, on.........., I don't think I would feel comfortable with a group.
And, I live in such a small town, I would have to drive for at least an hour,
to get to ANYWHERE ! I am serious, GF !
I DO hope that the Threads I do and have done, have been only positive ones, bc I wouldn't have it any other way.
I try to dwell on the positive, don't you ?
I am very thankful for my friends I have here. I can be so down, and come
here and see that someone is more down than me.
I try to give advice as I know it from my own experiences, knowing that
I will be forgiven, if I should mess up. You know ?
Thanks Heather, for being a friend to me, and being here when I need you..,
I hope you will never hesitate to call on me to do the same for you..,
I'm here because, even though I don't have bipolar disorder, BD really interests me. I've read all sorts of books on the subject and did a lot of research, so I know a lot about the signs, symptoms, and treatments. Still, I wanted to get a first-hand account of what mania was like, because it's something that's completely incomprehensible unless you've experienced it before. Also, I wanted to extend my advice to those with BD because I genuinely feel sorry that you have to go through this ordeal.
-GatsbyLuvr1920-
I'm new to this board, just stumbled upon it the other day. I'm 20 years old and i'm here because my aunt has had bipolar disorder for as long as I can remember. She can't work, spends lots of time going between home and treatment facilities, etc. Ive always had a very hard time dealing with her illness, everything ranging from being really angry with her (even though i intellectually know its not her fault), to being just really sad about the situation. I don't want to get too lengthy here but bascially i'm hoping that by hanging around this board that I can maybe start go better understand her and maybe how to deal with it better, or help her. So any advice... send it my way!!!
Kelsie
I found this board in a search to see if maybe I am bipolar. And, while one therapist has disagreed with me, I still think I am. And I keep coming back because this was the only place where I found people who really understand what I'm going through. The only person in my personal life I can talk to about it at all is my husband, and he doesn't understand what I am talking about. (but he tries, bless his heart). And, I don't like talking to him about it too much, because it hurts him when I hurt and he can't help. So, I keep coming back to see if I can help and be helped. Plus, some of you guys on here are super funny! And it's always good medicine to have a good laugh. It also amazes me how attached I've become to some people who I will probably never meet, know what I mean?
__________________
A positive attitude won’t solve your probs, but it will annoy enough people to be worth the effort.
I'm here because, even though I don't have bipolar disorder, BD really interests me. I've read all sorts of books on the subject and did a lot of research, so I know a lot about the signs, symptoms, and treatments. Still, I wanted to get a first-hand account of what mania was like, because it's something that's completely incomprehensible unless you've experienced it before. Also, I wanted to extend my advice to those with BD because I genuinely feel sorry that you have to go through this ordeal.
-GatsbyLuvr1920-
Hi !
Thanks for your reply.
I hope you find the answers you are researching...,
That's true, it's hard to know how being Bipolar, depression - mania feels,
until you'be experienced it before.
GeeGee
I'm new to this board, just stumbled upon it the other day. I'm 20 years old and i'm here because my aunt has had bipolar disorder for as long as I can remember. She can't work, spends lots of time going between home and treatment facilities, etc. Ive always had a very hard time dealing with her illness, everything ranging from being really angry with her (even though i intellectually know its not her fault), to being just really sad about the situation. I don't want to get too lengthy here but bascially i'm hoping that by hanging around this board that I can maybe start go better understand her and maybe how to deal with it better, or help her. So any advice... send it my way!!!
Kelsie
Hi ! kel,
Thanks for your reply.
I hope you find some answers that will help you have,
a more clear understanding about what your Aunt is going through.
I think you could find some great advice here..., just keep searching,
and educating yourself.
I truly admire you for wanting to do this to help your family member.
First to compare myself to others, to learn things about myself that I can only find out by realizing that my ills are not just unique to me, and in doinig so understand them.
Next to learn all that stuff they don't tell you in that 45 minutes where they scribble on thier pad.
But most of all to meet some amazing people, maybe get a little closer to few friends, and maybe just maybe, cut myself a break for being human.
First to compare myself to others, to learn things about myself that I can only find out by realizing that my ills are not just unique to me, and in doinig so understand them.
Next to learn all that stuff they don't tell you in that 45 minutes where they scribble on thier pad.
But most of all to meet some amazing people, maybe get a little closer to few friends, and maybe just maybe, cut myself a break for being human.
Hi ! Dave,
Thanks for your reply ! Long time..., no hear...,
I hope you are doing good.
I am glad you can come here, to have a more understanding and to learn
more. I don't think we can ever learn enough about Bipolar disorder.
I totally agree with you..., I have/still am, meeting some amazing people,
whom I do consider my friends.
I feel that the special people I have met here, understand a lot more about
me, and my being Bipolar, than my friends and family do.
Sometimes I do not think they have a clue...,
I am glad you are here, because I have seen what a difference You
have made, and continue to make,
by helping others and sharing your experiences with us.
Take Care, and let me hear from you...,
Stay Well,
GeeGee
I found this board in a search to see if maybe I am bipolar. And, while one therapist has disagreed with me, I still think I am. And I keep coming back because this was the only place where I found people who really understand what I'm going through. The only person in my personal life I can talk to about it at all is my husband, and he doesn't understand what I am talking about. (but he tries, bless his heart). And, I don't like talking to him about it too much, because it hurts him when I hurt and he can't help. So, I keep coming back to see if I can help and be helped. Plus, some of you guys on here are super funny! And it's always good medicine to have a good laugh. It also amazes me how attached I've become to some people who I will probably never meet, know what I mean?
From Gee Gee, Hi ! MikeysWifey,
Sorry I overlooked your post. Thanks for your reply !
I am glad we have a place to come to, and talk to people we don't even
know, that truly understand what we are going through.
I know what you mean about your Hubby. I know mine gets a bit tired of
listening to me, Miss Chatter Box. I don't know how he puts up with me
sometimes.
Isn't it a good thing, to be able to feel close to people we haven't met ?
Yep ! I know what you mean....,
This is such great therapy, and the more knowledge we can aquire, the
better !
Are you having a hard time getting diagnosed ? Oh, Dear, I really don't know
what to say..., Sorry you are having problems.
~that's what makes it interesting )
