Goody - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

coffeegirl2 · 02-07-2007, 01:00 PM

Goody

Just to let you know that I have had you and Erin in my thoughts lately. Going through all you have had on your plate through out the past couple of months has been a very overwhelming measure. You also have been dealing with your brothers problems as well. Stress!

In retrospect, I just want to share some insight for Erin that she does have hope for a good future if she just believes in herself, the meds, treatment, and continues with therapy. Also, staying in touch with friends and family as a network helps too. If any person with a mental illness has that- it is only a big bonus!!!

90% of marriages suffer from BPD or some form of mental illness. If they didn't, then something would be terribly wrong with the picture. The marraige would be walking on eggshells. Truly that is the scenario.

Accepting one for themselves, their flaws, their characteristics- both positive and negative, and their traits will help an individual servive their illness and suceed in a relationship. That doesn't mean that there will be pitfalls. No one is perfect, and that is something that Erin will have to face down the road. She will run into this in relationships with the illness, but must realize it is theh illness talking, and if it arises, then it is time to visit the tdoc/pdoc, and rehash along with learning new coping mechanisms. Being proactive in ones mental health and keeping it strong will be beneficial throughout life. It will help in relationships, marriage, raising children, careers, etc.

Hang in there Goody. You are a terrific mom! Erin is blessed to have you for a mom.

Erin is a good gal too, she is just going through life changes and along it, struggling with an illness that is bumping in the way.

Hugs

Coffeegirl

goody2shuz · 02-07-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coffeegirl2

Goody

Just to let you know that I have had you and Erin in my thoughts lately. Going through all you have had on your plate through out the past couple of months has been a very overwhelming measure. You also have been dealing with your brothers problems as well. Stress!

Coffeegirl, thanks for your continuous support. Yes these past few months have been quite stressful for our family but compared to last year this time when Erin was first hospitalized and still not properly diagnosed or on the right meds, this is a piece of cake!!!

As I have said over and over again, this forum has been such a source of support for me and the people here are just so great and like you do over and over again, provide me with such encouragement and hope. Thank you for that, Coffeegirl

Quote:

Originally Posted by coffeegirl2

In retrospect, I just want to share some insight for Erin that she does have hope for a good future if she just believes in herself, the meds, treatment, and continues with therapy. Also, staying in touch with friends and family as a network helps too. If any person with a mental illness has that- it is only a big bonus!!!

I know that the toughest time is yet to come when Erin goes away to college and is out there with others who are partying and experiencing their newfound independence. I fear that the newfound stability may be at risk. Right now Erin struggles socially often misinterpreting other's intentions....it is difficult enough trying to fit in at high school but add BP to that and it isn't easy. I am hoping that now that Erin is starting individual therapy that she will gain new insight into how things are and the tools she will need to get her through the tough times. Erin always has our support and love, what concerns me is whether she will be able to keep friends and relationships with others who may not be able to understand her and her moods and hurtful words that come out at times.

Quote:

Originally Posted by coffeegirl2

Accepting one for themselves, their flaws, their characteristics- both positive and negative, and their traits will help an individual servive their illness and suceed in a relationship. That doesn't mean that there will be pitfalls. No one is perfect, and that is something that Erin will have to face down the road. She will run into this in relationships with the illness, but must realize it is theh illness talking, and if it arises, then it is time to visit the tdoc/pdoc, and rehash along with learning new coping mechanisms. Being proactive in ones mental health and keeping it strong will be beneficial throughout life. It will help in relationships, marriage, raising children, careers, etc.

Your words make alot of sense and I agree that Erin must be accepting of herself and also be willing to learn more about BP and the need to be proactive enough to take responsibility for her stability so that it doesn't become something that she doesn't take care of before it brings harm to others she is in a relationship with whether it be her friends, spouse, coworkers, or children. I just hope that she is one who wants to look at the positive and sees herself as somebody unique and special who is not only Bipolar but identifies herself with the beautiful young lady that she is and the gifts and talents that she possesses and has to share with others. Funny how recently Erin shared with me that she may like to be a psychologist so she could help others with Bipolar because she thinks that she can because she has been through it and understands what it is like to be depressed and has been through many things that she can relate to with others experiencing the same thing. And I have a feeling that she would do great with that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by coffeegirl2

Hang in there Goody. You are a terrific mom! Erin is blessed to have you for a mom.

Erin is a good gal too, she is just going through life changes and along it, struggling with an illness that is bumping in the way.

Thanks once again for your words of encouragement, Coffeegirl....they really mean alot to me and help me get through these stressful times. It means alot knowing that you are thinking about me and my family and have such wisdom to share with me & Erin. It is that wisdom that I know allows me to do my best to hel Erin through all of this. Thanks for being there for me.

((((HUGS))))) back ~ Goody