Child Within

My child with in is hurting badly right now and needs to say some things. I usually don't let her talk, but she helped me when thing where so bad when I was a child and she need to speak now. I have PTSD and Bipolar both are very real and affect my life daily. She holds hidden memories that I'm not strong enough to face. She is my friend.
Hi, my name is Wendy(shuffle feet).The nice doctor wasn't nice. He played a joke on us. He said he care,but did not. He was like daddy. He makes me cry inside. Wanda doesn't believe it. I know he was not nice. I wish Wanda would listen to me. I can tell when some one is going to hurt you . I want to have fun to but you can not trust big men. THEY HURT YOU

I wonder how much the connective tissue disease is is effecting my bipolar disorder. I feel I am come down hard from my manic state,but I'm in so much pain I can barely walk. I have the face and arm rash going on. I'm so depressed now it's terrible. It happens so fast also. I'll try to check in on every one soon . I think of you all a lot.

Honest

I guess I'm just too trusting. I was at a department store yesterday and a clerk told me the price of my bill which I paid in cash. I did not look at the ticket and she charged me $20.00 extra. and pocketed the money. Of course I did not catch it till I got home. I even had a friend with me that heard the clerk do it, but the store would not believe me. It not that $20.00 is a lot of money,but it is just wrong. I live on a fixed income and even if I had lots of money stealing is just something I can't believe someone would do. I guess I'm the biggest goose for being so trusting of people! Lesson learned.

WHY CAN'T I BE NORMAL?????

Why do I have to be crazy wild without sleep or some kind of spending spree or in some one face or so low I can't lift my head up??? I just feel like crying my eyes out. I want to talk with some one. I am so lonely. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

HOPE

This has really been a rough year for me. So many changes, so many loses, so many tears. I have had to see people I really loved and cared about leave. I have had to stop working due to increased health problems. I have had to try to adjust to living on disability. I have found out that you can't trust some people just because they have a title and are suppose to have your best interest at heart. My faith has been shaken but not broken. My heart wounded, but still is beating on. I live through my past, so I will make it now. I know that everything will work out if I continue to do my part and not give up. I am so thankful for all the support everyone gives me.

OH WHAT FUN WE HAD!

What a few weeks I have had! I did see my Psychiatrist that started me on Tegretol in addition to my Geodon. It did finally stop the manic episode that lasted 9 days. Unfortunately I had a severe reaction to the medication after about 10 days. Hives, blisters and breathing problems. In fact I still have some of the blisters and looks like burns on my skin from the reaction even though I have been on large amount of steroids (which is already starting the hypo mania again!) Needless to say off the Tegretol and up the Geodon. Anyway I doing a bit better for a little while. We will see what happens next. Thanks for checking in on me!

I've been awake for three nights in a row. I'm making terrible decisions. I finally asked my son to keep me in the house so I won't do any thing crazy! My son say I'm too emo right now. I am so hyper my skin is crawling! I hate it when I'm like this. I really do a piss poor job with my money and always get into some type of trouble. If this continues another day I'm going to call my psychiatrist. ANY suggestions to come down from this?

Been out of the loop

I have been out of the loop for a while. My life has been turn upside down and I am trying to put things back in some kind of order. Some good news is I have lost 40 lbs which will help my joint and walking. I having some trouble with the fact that my former psychiatrist lost his licence for being inappropriate with some female patients. My problem is, I don't know what is inappropriate touch for a doctor and a patient. I really liked him and fully trusted him,

Asking for HELP

I've been struggling for some time now and I am exhausted mentally and physically. So much has happen that I just can not pull myself together. I have e-mailed a few people asking for help,but have not received any answers. I feel my life is totally out of control and I don't know where to turn. My new doctor has been really changing my meds around. My mood swings are now rapid and drastic. Can anyone help me understand what is going on and if this is going to get better? Please give me some hope.

Ice Storm

Tulsa had the worst ice storm ever. There were thousand of power outages. We were without power for 5 days and came back up today. It was freezing cold in the house. It was amazing to see everyone working together. There are still thousand of people with out power. the damage to the town has been terrible. I feel very blessed that no trees fell on the house. My dear friend is still without power. I am going to see if she and her family want to come here.

Christmas Time

The Christmas tree is up, packages being wrapped, and time to remember the good times. Some memories are not so good, but I try to think of the times with my children and friends. It is also a time to remember the real reason for Christmas. I am thankful for all the wonderful people in my life. Merry Christmas to all my friends!

Better

The doctor has placed me on a second anti depressant as well as the mood stabilizer. We were thinking of putting me in the hospital over Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for my blogger friend and others that stood behind me.

Don't Know

I don't know what is wrong with me, but I am really struggling to keep my head above water. This has been one of the longest depression I have had. I see my doctor next week, but even the simplest task are difficult. I'm sorry I have dropped off the face of the earth, but it is simply all I can do to get up and go. I'm sorry if I have disappointed anyone. I'll try to do better.

oh where oh where

I'm posting in my friends absence ...just because I can ....

Oh where oh where has my wanda friend gone ...oh where oh where could she be?
Has she gone off to market to buy her a dog? Oh where ohe where could she be???


Please ...please post dear ... you're missed so mucy I used my access to your blog to hijack a post to tell you just how much you're MISSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

in the meantime ... Samuel's turned 18 ...Don's been sick ... I've been sick ... and my mamma's fallen off the proverbial rocker ...again.

Please Wanda ... I want my wanda ...

I was twirling my nieces baton today and she said " I never could do that. Where did you learn how to do that?"

Hm, um ..er .. gee ... the FIVE YEARS of BATON lessons you PAID FOR?????to watch me march down the parade????? HELLO????

hmmmmmmmmm

anyway ... I see Dr. G on Monday ...too much to discuss with her ... like my blood tests that show malnutrition in more than one area ...yikes. So much trouble.

I like her. I just miss Dr. Bobblehead.

I miss you.

Are you coming Wednesday ??

Down

Seems like the last few days have been harder and harder to reach out to people. I really need some help dealing with all these emotions right now and I can't reach out to anyone. It may just be a mood swing, but I am so down in the dumps. I just want to stay away from everyone and everything. I know I need to ask for help, but I am too exhausted to try. Does anyone have any suggestions to help get out of this slump?

Mixed Emotions

I'm having mixed emotions about the move. I like the mobile home ,but am feeling a real sense of lost over the house. I'm hoping the house sells soon. We still have to finish cleaning and move some odds and ends, but the main part is done. I'm really tired so this will be a short post.

I'm taking a week off and going out of town. I hoping the change will do me some good. Too many things are changing too fast and I just need a break. Today was my last day with Dr Mitchell. I cried and he hug me and said he would miss me. He invited me to his church, so I might try it some time. I find it so hard to connect to people and trust them. This has been a real rough year for me. It seems it has been one lost after another. I am holding on, but sometimes I don't know how. I guess I just have to believe that God is in control, because my life is sure a mess. I believe there must be angles watching over me to keep me from doing some really stupid stuff. Thank you all for all your support. Maybe after a week off I'll feel better.

I'm feeling exhausted these days. Too many things going on at one time. I think my mood is more stable than it was. I've been cleaning out closets and packing. It is totally amazing what you collect over ten years. I am throwing stuff out right and left. I figure if I haven't used it in two-three years that I don't really need it. I'm hurting like a BIG DOG right now from all the packing. We aren't moving until the first of October, but that is only 5 weeks. My last appointment with my doctor is on the seventh of this month.I am going to miss him something terrible! I so afraid I won't click with the new one which is set up for October. When I slow down I still feel sad, so I'm trying to keep busy and not think about everything.

Change

I'm fighting depression right now due to all the changes in my life. I am really scared about what is going to happen next and if I will be able to stay in touch with reality. I am really struggling with the desire to SI. I know there are people that care about me, but I am pulling into my shell more and more. I want to make sure I am doing the right thing. I can't believe how unsure of myself I am right now. What is wrong with me?

Honest

Right now I am struggling with my life in general. Too many losses in less than a year. I just found out my physician is leaving and I am going to have to find someone else to see. I'm not over losing my pastor yet! Now someone else that I trust is going to be unavailable to me. I'm also going to lose my house. Being on disability is not enough to make the payment. I keep trying to put on a happy face, but I'm not doing too good of job at it. I feel so abandoned. My faith is weak right now. I'm trying to be strong but I'm not quite making it. Maybe it just the time of year for things to be going wrong. I do know I am not alone, but it still feels that way.

It has been wild and crazy in my life. I'm not sure if I am coming or going. I have missed seeing and talking to every body on line. It been really hot here. Over 100 for the last few days. So "HI" and good wishes to everyone!

Normal?

I've been in a manic phase for about two week and am finally coming down. It was "Fun" for a while, but then things started getting bad. Being manic can be a real drag, when you bite every ones head off and do crazy stuff. I'm worried about becoming super depressed next, but my doctor is on top of my medications. It has finally stopped raining here. We have had so much rain my yard was semi flooded for a while. I'll try to get around to everyone blog soon.

Is there ever any stable days in being bi-polar??? Seems I am always either depressed or doing some crazy thing ( like spending money I don't have!) Then after I make some foolish mistakes, I can't get out of bed for days. The Geodon seems to help some, but I am so tired of this. I keep putting my foot in my mouth and say what ever pops into my head. Does anyone have any suggestions??

Tagged With A Story To Tell

This post might be triggering to some, but it is important to tell the story before we respond to the "tag".
We grew up in two separate households. Part of the time we lived with my very abusive Mom and Step dad, part of the time we were with my very religious Grandmother. The different in the houses were night and day, but both were very frighten for us. My oldest brother and younger sister always lived with my Grandmother,where as the youngest brothers always live with the parents.I was pasted back and forth. We feared hell and damnation for the smallest offense. My childhood with my parents was a nightmare of hell on earth. There was sexual,physical, mental,and spiritual abuse. At a very early age I became what was expected of me. Parts of me would rebel only to find totally painful abuse. The abuse was tolerated by separating myself from the pain. Parts of me could not believe that there was a god, however remembering the black figures and the pain made me know there was a devil. The abuse last from the age of 4-16 when thankfully my step dad died. Cold, wounded, and fragmented I could not wait to get out of the house. My ideas of God and Jesus were distorted to say the least. I wanted nothing to do with a "god" that could not protect children. Jesus did not give up on me. He was always there, but we could not see or believe in Him. I now have a Christian doctor and a Christian therapist. My former pastor showed love to a very cold and bitter person. We are healing now. It slow and sometimes painful, but it is happening.

Five things we dig about Jesus.

1. Jesus accepts you just the way you are.
2. You can tell Him your mad at Him, but He still loves you.
3. He understands all your moods and personalities and still loves every part of you.
4. When you are alone you can call His name and feel His presents and comfort.
5. He makes life worth living.

Must not be manic today!

Your Brain is Blue

Of all the brain types, yours is the most mellow. You tend to be in a meditative state most of the time. You don't try to think away your troubles. Your thoughts are realistic, fresh, and honest. You truly see things as how they are. You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about your friends, your surroundings, and your life.

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorisyourbrainquiz/">What Color Is Your Brain?

Broken No More

I was just a little girl of four,

When my daddy started coming to my door

He said his touch was a special treat,

For his girl innocent and sweet.

I learned to cry myself to sleep.

The pain I felt was far to deep.

The room felt oh so dark and cold.

Oh the damage to my soul.

I learned the rules and played the game.

My life would never be the same.

The hate I felt, I turned within.

This was all because of sin.

The walls I built turned my heart to stone.

No one could see I was all alone.

I never learned to laugh and play.

I only learned to run away.

Jesus looked down and saw my pain.

He wants to rid me of my shame.

He saw the beauty hidden within.

Jesus is putting me back together again.

Wanda Arthington

I wrote this poem about one year ago and it seems like I'm healing more as time passes. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever be a whole and happy person, but I believe it is becoming more of a reality each day. I watched my friends grow and heal and realize it takes time. It is great to know that I'm not a victim anymore and maybe I'm helping someone else too. Together we can make a difference.

Health

Well today I exercised a hour. That is the longest amount of time I've done at one time. (at least recently).I am going to try to do that at least 3 times per week. I know why the first 3 letters in diet are DIE. Fifteen pounds down and way too many more to go. Well at least it's going down for a change! I hoping this will help me feel better, but it is so slow and painful. (lol) My question is how come it take no time to put on 10 lbs, but it takes forever to lose 10 lbs? That just doesn't seem right to me. I want to thank everyone for their input and comments on my blog. I'm feeling a bit better. At least I am a bit more hopeful. May always is a tough month for me. I only need to make it through Father's Day and I will have time for some good days. I see my "T" the day after Father's Day so that gives me a safety net. You can do anything for one day! That's the only way for me some times. One day at a time. Again thanks everyone for being so supportive the last few weeks! Hugs to you all!

Why

I've seen so much happen to good people that I wonder why God allows it. I wonder why my faith seems so weak while other seem to have an unshakable faith. Why can't I feel safe? I believe God cares, yet I can't relax in His arms. I also find it hard to get close to people. Everything is so "surface". I am tired of being so sad. Right now it seems I have two moods: sad or angry. I don't like being angry. I fear anger. I feel like I'm losing my mind. I fear losing control, yet I have no control right now. I don't trust myself. I know I am not alone, yet I feel so isolated. I'm afraid to let anyone get too close. I'm worried about everything. I can't relax. I'm making mistake, having lapses in time. I'm no fun to be with. Where has jolly Wanda went? Do others ever feel like this? I want to help others, but I can not seem to help myself.

A Little Better

Well at least I've been able to get out of bed. I'm so tired of being depressed and anxious. I'm afraid to admit to my doc and T how depressed I really am, because I don't want back in the hospital. I was able to make it to work today, but it took everything I had to do it. I won't be alone this weekend, but I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I'm not sure I can handle the stress of trying to be around a draining person. Maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel. I just have to remember these feeling will go away. Even my faith is shaky now. I just feel the need for someone to take care of me. Isn't that the stupidest thought you have ever heard. A grown woman wanting someone to just take care of things for a little bit. I guess I'm improving because I'm crying now. I want to thank my friends for their support. I haven't felt like going to other blogs and I'm sorry. I'm better than yesterday, so maybe tomorrow will be better. I'm sorry I'm so sad right now. Thanks for understanding.

Mother's Day

As I pulled in my garage I thought of closing the door and letting the car run until I feel into a deep sleep. Why? Thinking about Mother's Day. Everyone having happy thoughts about love and kindness. Mother's Day brings other memories to our mind. Sadness, Betrayal, and Pain. I know it just a day, but I hate it. My own failures are in my face. Love? Yes for my children it is unconditional. Are we so damaged that we harm those we love most. Mother WHY??? Was I not good enough? Was I too ugly? Why did you have us? "A wasted F...K" you said. Will those words ever go away? How could you have given us like an offering to unspeakable abuse. Yes our dad. The only day we hate more than Mother's Day is Father's Day. Strong enough to make it one more time. Must try. Must try. OH God why are some chidren born for abuse? WHY?? Where is the justice? Must be strong to prevent hurt to my children. So much pain! So much pain! IT's just a day to remember.

Rain

It has been raining almost constantly for the last 2 weeks. I'm feeling a little sunshine deprived. You would think being stuck inside would inspire a cleaning spree, but it hasn't. I have been kind of down in the dumps, so I haven't been keeping up with my blogging. I'm starting to pull out of the depression a little bit and am getting a few more things done. It seems when I am depressed I just can't do anything. I've been trying to loose some weight, but it is so difficult. I have been doing some exercise, which should help the mood and weight lost.

Broken Inside

It's raining and cold and my mood seems to match the dark skies. I just decided to write what we are feeling as if no one will read this. There is a deep loneliness that nothing can fill. Yet I isolate from those I call friends. I'm not to sure why anyone would want to be my friend. I feel I have so little to offer. I hurt when others around me hurt and can feel their pain, but seem to have little to give others. So many voices inside of me tell me it not worth it. So much sadness that I can find a way out. There has to be a path that will bring me out of this. There must be an answer somewhere. If I knew what was causing the problem I would work on it. Broken inside is the best way to describe the feelings. Dark,cold, and alone. It's hard to get out of bed. It's hard to pick up the phone. It's hard to even move.

Happy Easter

April: Sexual Assault Awareness Month

One in every six women and one in every 33 men will be victims of an sexual assault. The numbers are overwhelming. The devastation of the assaults is even more overwhelming. Many of the victims are under the age of 18 years old. The damage can last a life time. Victims of early abuse are often repeatedly victimized in later years. Some victimize others later in life. There is a definite cycle of abuse related to early sexual assault. We believe getting the word out can help. Telling our personal stories and how this has affect our lives is important. We believe that healing is possible with a lot of work.Treatment must be available. Laws need to be enforced. Victims need to be able to speak out without fear of being re victimized by the system. Knowledge is a powerful tool and our friend.

Taking Care of Yourself

I saw my psychiatrist today and he told me I needed to start taking better care of myself and not trying to fix every one's problems. He said I operate too much in a guilt mode and over things that I had no control over to begin with. I know he is right and I'm over responsible and try to be everything for everybody, but it's hard to change. I think he is right if I don't stop I am really going to crash and burn. If I can just make it through this week I can slow down a little. I have to take my friend to two doctors this week. I have already had to go to DHS to turn in some paper work for my son. My poor house needs a good cleaning, but there are only so many hours in a day. Maybe next week will be better.

Exhausted

Sorry I have dropped off the face of the earth. Right after I was discharged from the hospital a good friend of mine was in a bad auto accident. I have been staying with her, helping her around the house, shopping, and taking her to appointments etc. Needless to say I'm exhausted. I got a chances to go home for a couple of days to catch up on my "Stuff". Keeping busy has kept my mind off all the things going on in my life right now. I'll try to make it around to everybody site to catch up before I go back to her house. She doesn't like computers and doesn't have one. I can't image no computer! Thanks everyone for checking up on me. I'm still hanging in there!

Trigger warning The Molested Child

This subject is weighing heavy on my mind. I will mostly likely ramble and not make a lot of sense. I was molested from the age of 4-16 by my step dad. No help was ever there and the impact on my life has been devastating. I learned no boundaries and I married a man that had been molested as a child. I suffered from PTSD and had totally blocked out that these things had happened. Not remembering caused me to not see red flags in my own marriage. I was a workaholic. I worked 60-80 hours per week, leaving my children with a man that had been molested himself as a child. My X was also physically and verbally abusive to me and the children. Since this type of abuse also happen when I was growing up it seemed normal. I did not recognize the dangers in my own home. I know adult make a choice to abuse children and I thank God I never hurt my children in this way. I regret to say it was happening in my own home. I did divorce the man before I knew what he was doing, but the damage was done. Today both of my children suffer from mental disorders . They too can not remember what has happened, but my X admits he was "inappropriate" with them. He has also confessed in court to the molestation of his daughter from his second marriage. I found out today he will be spending time in prison for this act. I see only pain and hopelessness. I feel if I had been aware so much would be different. The pain must end some how some way! The abuse must stop!

Struggling

Right now I am struggling with my PTSD. I'm having a lot of flash backs and having trouble coping on a daily bases. I'm fighting with the desire to SI and can not seem to get my act together. The memories are so strong right now. I am having physcial symtoms of the abuse. Sleep is no relieve of the pain. I'm not sure why I am struggling so much right now. I'm almost afaird to leave the house because of the flash backs. Maybe this is because I'm trying to deal with some of the issues of the abuse. It maybe because of physcial fatique. This happend so long ago it is hard to belive how much it is impacting me right now. Every thing seems to be triggering the emotions and flash backs, I see my doctor tommorrow and I'm wondering if things are so out of control I should be admitted. I can't seem to talk with my friends and support system right now. I'm messing up on simple tasks and am afaird to trust myself.

It seems that some days you just can't do anything right. I knocked my side view mirror off the car. I hurt my foot. Seems like I should have just stayed in bed! I know, whine, whine, whine! It just seems recently I have been having a run of bad luck. Nothing major, just those annoying little things that can get under your skin. You know the kind of junk I mean. The drive up can not get the order right. You drop you money on the ground. You hit your head on the car door picking up the money. I guess I had just better laugh it all off. Well here is looking to a better tomorrow!

Met New Therpist

I met with my new therapist today. I talked my fool head off. We talked about the flashbacks and how to focus on some object in the present. We also talked about how I had blocked out my past and how it seems to be a method for coping with things that is now second nature to me. He stated I have learned from a very young age how "not to be present" or "leave at will". I think I'm going to be able to open up to this one, at least I did today. I see him again in three weeks. I see my doctor in two weeks. He really wanted to see me more often, but I have to space things out due to money. It started off OK, so I am hoping for the best.

Today is the superbowl and I am going to a party. I must say football is not my favorite sport, but I am looking forward to the fellowship. My good friend is having the party at her house, but I am a bit concerned about her. She really fighting some difficult memories and other issue now, so I am hoping the party will bring her some peace and support. Food and laughter is goood for the soul. I have got my dish in the oven so I can't spend too much time on the computer or I'll be taking a burnt offering inside of desert. I hope everyone is enjoying today. Deeper thoughts next time!

You are who you are. People either accept and love you or they can turn away. So much has been happening and so many changes. Things that you don't think will effect you do. Sometimes it take someone else to look at what is going on to make sense of it. Being honest and open can be hard when you are used to protecting your inner most beings. Blogging is safe and make it easier to open up. You find people that are like yourself, that don't judge. Many times we feel so alone, but it is good to be able to find those that don't judge you. You can open up and be yourself without fear. Your friends help define who you are. I have not been bloggin a year yet, but I have meet so many wonderful freinds. They can be honest and yet kind. I guess we are all growing and changing each day. Some days are good and other days are not as good. It is just the way life is. I know I am rambling, but that's OK too. Hugs to everyone! We all can use a safe hug.

New Therapist

I'm going to see a new therapist next week and I am very anxious. I'm hoping this will help me get my feet planted on the ground. My doctor really wants to step up the treatment plan. He even was talking about in patient treatment, which I really want to avoid. PK has been helping me stay focused and I am really thankful for her help. I guess sometimes you have to lean on someone else when you can't do it alone. I miss my pastor so much. We still don't have anyone in mind to take his place. In my mind no one will ever be able to replace him. The picture show how I feel right now. I know everything is going to work out. I'm just exhausted from trying to figure things out. I am so thankful for all my blogger friends that have helped me the past few weeks. I am not sure what I would have done without the support.

Dry ground

The snow is starting to melt, thank goodness. I was beginning to get cabin fever. I need to restock the food supply. The last time I went to the store they were running out of milk and other things. I want to thank everyone that added input to my last post. It has been helpful looking for my next steps. You have also made me feel a bit more hopeful. It is a real good feeling that you can post how you feel without worry about losing your friends.

Seems like being snow in gives me too much time to think. I am interested in knowing what others think about PTSD. I have been given so many different diagnosis, but this is one that has been there since I was a teenager. I am also told I'm bi-polar and that was first diagnosis when I was in my early twenties. One thearpist told me she believed I had MPD due to the violence in my childhood. I have tried to just cope, but it seems the more pressure I'm under the more problems I have. I currently am not seeing a thearpist just my doctor. I have never found a thearpist that I can open up to. I think my doctor is great, but he is currently treating me for PTSD and bi-polar disorder. I've been under a lot of stress and that seem to be causing me to have more lost pieces of time, that I can not remember what I have done. The stress also seems to becausing me to have more nightmares and "flash backs". Is this command with the PTSD? I have never stayed with a thearpist very long, because it seemed the past was just too painful to deal with. I keep thinking that by this time in my life the childhood abuse issues should be over, but it never seem to go away. I don't know why I find it so hard to talk with anyone about the past, but its like if I don't deal with it then it didn't happen. Is it possible to get over PTSD without dealing with what happened? How long can what happened in childhood effect ones daily life? Maybe now would be the best time to try to deal with this since I'm on disability. I just don't know how to find someone that you can be comfortable talking to. My pastor was the best person I ever talked with now he is gone. Maybe that why I 'm having more problems again. I can not stop thinking about harming myself. I know that is wrong, but the feeling are so strong. I keep hiding from my friends and I am isolating more and more. I know I am rambling on and on, but I need to get out these feelings. Has anyone else been there and what did you do to get better. I'm feeling hopeless right now.

Ice

I am ready for a little warm weather. Today is the 3rd day we have been covered in ice. It did stop with the freezing rain, but there is still a danger of more power outages due to the winds. It is so cold and I hate being "trapped" in the house this long. Seems we are out to set records this year. We have already had a big snow and now we have this ice storm to add to the books. Today the sun is shinning, but it's in the twenties. At least we have love to keep us warm.

Looking for Information

I was wanting some input on bi-polar depression. I'm bi-polar and it seems every time the mania is controled the depression takes over. I'm on Geodon and Paxil ( just started this one). I think my doctor is excellant, but I am having a hard time getting out of the depression. Has anyone tried light thearpy with bi-polar depression and did it work? We have tried so many antidepressant with little improvement. I so tired of being depressed, so I am looking for suggestions from anyone that might have some ideas.

I got Tagged

Let see 5 things you don't know about me. Thanks PK.

1. I'm very shy and have trouble meeting people most of the time.
2. I've always wanted to be an ice skater. (I have a hard time walking across the floor with out tripping. lol)
3. I love to buy things for other people.
4. My curiosity tends to get me in trouble.
5. I think pets are easier to understand than people.

Now my favorite Musicals

1. Annie Get Your Gun
2. Oklahoma
3. Four Tickets to Christmas
4. Wizzard of OZ
5. Sound of Music

Now it my turn to tag people!

1. Wolf
2. Mysti
3. JIP
4. Jade
5. Raine
6. Cheesemeister
7. Fallen Angel

Reflections and Resolutions

It is the time of the year to look back and remember. It is time to set goal for next year. I can call 2006 a good year because I learned so much. This was a year that was full of rough spots, but I learned so much this year. I have learned how much we need others. I have always been one to do everything myself. This year I have started trusting others more. I have started to reach out more to others and it has added so much more enjoyment to my life. It has been an emotional year, but again I feel there has been healing in this area of my life too. My faith is stronger. I discovered a world of new friends by blogging. I learned to slow down and enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend. Next year I really want to continue the emotional healing and work on becoming more phycially healthy. I want to paint more and write more. I want to become closer to my friends. I want to be a better friend to those that mean so much to me.

A New Year

A new year is about to begin. I'm looking forward to letting 2006 go. It has been a rough year, but I have made many new friends, which made the year a good one. I have learned how much we need people and the importance of friendships. A new year always bring with it a time to make improvements. I think my biggest goal for next year will be to try to improve my health. I want to continue to make my friendships stronger and increase my faith. I wish all my blogger friends a very Happy New Year.

People That Know

It's nice to know that there are friends that know you and accept you just the way you are. You can be comfortable to say what you need to say. You can say nothing, yet still feel loved and accepted. You don't have to wear a mask to hide the "real'' you. I am thankful for these friends that accept me with all my faults. I can be myself without fear of being judged. I'm so glad I have these friends. You are more than just a mental illness. You are you and that is OK. What could be better. These friends help you grow. They love you for who you are. Nothing is better. Hugs to those that can accept without judgement. Thank you for being there!

Christmas

Christmas is coming just around the corner. We have been keeping busy and just wanted to tale a few minutes to be thankful for all the good things we have. Friends and family bring joy to the days. The meaning of Christmas and the wonderful gift of Jesus. Christmas may not bring joy to everyone and to those we wish a special peace . A time to make new memories. A time to be thankful for all our friends. Christmas is more than gifts. Christmas is a time to share our love.

Losing Control

Seems like everyday there are more unpleasant changes happening. I'm feeling a little shakey right now. Two dear friends are moving and that is very stressful. Today I found out that another link of my support system is being removed. My church has always been a strong support for me. At the end of the month we will have lost 3 out of the 4 ministry staff from the church. Each of these people have helped me so much through rough times. I find myself holding on tightly to my faith. I still have friends at my church to hold on to, but the loss seems so great. Right now PK is "holding my hand" to help me adjust to all of the changes. I have thought about trying to run away from all the stress, but know that is not the answer. Things are tense in my family right now too. I need to make some decisons, but do not feel I am thinking clearly enough to do so. A year ago I never dreamed I would be where I am today! Support system shaken, health failing, and financial stress, all seems more than I can deal with. Old coping skills seem to be pushing into my mind. Bad memories and "black outs" are happening more frequently. I feel like I am spinning out of control. I'm sorry this is such a depressing post, but I need to find a way to get some of this "stuff" out. I am open for any and all suggestions!

Snow

Our frist winter storm has come in over the last two days.My joints are hurting and I'm getting a little cabin fever. My driveway is the biggest problem since it is on a fairly step hill. We are hoping it will be better by Sunday. It is beautiful, but does limit what we can do. It's a good time for hot chocolate and soup. All the children are out of school and I have been watching the neigborhood children playing in the snow. It's a good day to put up the indoor Christmas decorations. Only 24 more days until Christmas. I think I will work on my Christmas cards today.

Too Much

I'm trying so hard to hold everything together right now, but I feel like I about to come apart. So much has happened in the last few months and I am exhausted from trying to keep up. My health has been poor, I have no job, applying for disability has been stressful, and I feel my support system is falling apart.
This morning I been on the phone all day trying to get my cobra insurance plan straighten out and still by the end of the day nothing. I been working on this now over a week and now I'm totally out of my medicine. Seems nobody can figure out why I can't get my perscriptions filled. They charge me a month worth of insurance for one day. This shouldn't be so hard!
Please don't get me wrong some things have been going well. It is just that right now I can not seem to handle all of this stress. I'm crying all the time and am totally exhausted. I'm not thinking clearly and it seems that is my biggest problem.

Change

Seems in life we can not stop change. A very good friend is moving. I know that we will keep in touch by e-mail, letters, and phone, but it will not be the same. My heart hurts. Not being able to see and hug this person will cause a void. I'm happy for the fact it is a good move for them, but am sadden by the lost of being able to see them in person. I guess I'm being selfish, but I really hate to see them move. Change is just hard to deal with.

Turkey is in the Oven

The turkey is in the oven and the smell of food fills the house. Waiting on family to arrive for a time of fellowship and thanksgiving. It is a wonderful thing to know you are blessed. It wonderful to think of all your friends and family. I hope all of my friends are having a great day.

Thankful

Thanksgiving is only a week away and I've been so depressed recenlty I thought I would list some things I'm thankful for. I know I will only touch a few things, but it is always good to look at all of our blessings.

1. My Children
2. My Friends-3D and cyber
3. My Family
4. My Pastor
5. My Church
6. Good Doctors
7. My House
8. Plenty to Eat
9. Reliable Transportation
10. And Many Many More

Medication Cost

The cost of medication is just simply outrageous! I checked the cost on my bi-polar medication and it was $ 347.17 for a one month supply. That is only one of the 12 medications I have to take. Medication is only one part of the cost of health care. A person with any chronic illness needs to be flat broke for any type of assistant. It seems to me that we condemn anyone with a chronic illness to poverty. Having both an autoimmue illness and mental illness is a one way ticket to poverty. I guess I have ranted enough for one day. I'm just frustrated!

Paintings

This picture represent the innocents of childhood. How pure and sweet children are.

Lighthouse represents peace in a time of storms. I feel my life is a storm right now and my lighthouse is my faith in God.

I just recently started painting and I was wanting some input and suggestions.

Cyber Friends

Since I've been blogging I have made many "cyber friends". I have found I can be honest and not have to put up a front. I can say what I feel. I can let out the pains and hurts. I don't feel judged. I believe there are people that care about me and what is going on in my life. I feel there are people that pray for me. I know I have met people that I deeply care about what happens to them. I met more people that have had some of the same things happen to them. There is no judgement if I'm having a bad day. I am so thankful for my new friendships.

Triggers

I don't understand why everything seems to be triggering my past and the abuse right now. Everytime I turn around something is setting me into a tailspin and I'm reliving my past. I feel very emotional right now. I feel panic and have a hard time grounding myself. It's not just the normal triggers, but it seems like little things are throwing me into an emotional fit. Seeing any father with a small child gives me cold chills. I am crying at the simplest thing. I seem to be disassociating more often. I'm finding I want to withdraw and avoid people.I'm isolating myself more and more. I'm trying to make myself keep in contact with others, but it is so hard. I know there are people that care about me, but I can not seem to reach out to them for help. I don't even know why I'm feeling this way, but I can not shake it. I can not even talk to the new therapist about what is going on. I almost feel like I'm losing my mind. If anyone has any suggestions, please give them to me. I feel so out of control.

Friends

I'm not sure where I would be without my friends. This has been a rough year. Failing heath, finical problems, and family stressors. Most of my life I've been a "loner". I was too afaird to open myself up to friendships. I was afaird of being hurt or used. The last couple of years I have developed some deep friendships. I don't know what I would have done without their support over the past few months. My entire life has changed and I am so thankful for the support of my friends. Making friends was hard for me. My past had taught me not to trust anyone. I built a protective wall around myself and nobody was allowed close to me. I now so enjoy being with my friends. We help and comfort each other in times of need. We laugh and play together. We cry and hug each other when "things" aren't going well. We talk on the phone until the batteries go dead. We enjoy life together. Nothing can compare to friendship.