I grew up in a small town in Ontario, always feeling like something was a bit different. When I went away to university I went through a major depressive episode and a hypo manic episode. I was diagnosed with Bipolar II with psychotic features. Since then I've done well for myself. I've learned to deal with it, built up a support system, I take medicine to help keep the episodes under control and use a counsellor and other supports to deal with the day to day struggles. Even with my medicine working great, it's still sometimes a struggle to keep my illness under control. But I work hard and am leading a normal life.
I've moved back in with my parents not because of the illness but because of financial necessity. Don't get me wrong, I love my parents and I'm very gratefull for them letting me move back in. But it's been a struggle for all of us. And what has been complicating things lately has been the Bipolar aspect.
I recently switched to a new medicine and I'm still dealing with the side effects of it. This is making it hard for my parents to be around me. I mean, I look completely fine on the outside. And from their perspective, how do they know I'm not just milking it? Well, ladies and gentlemen, I can assure you I'm not. I would give anything to not be dealing with yet another med change. So not only do I feel sucky, but I also have to deal with the looks and comments about it. I guess I'm just waiting for some validation from them. Which I didn't seem to need before I moved in with them. It will be interesting, though, I can assure you!
More updates to follow later!
~Martha
