I learned about BP in a pretty rough and fast turn of events. My husband has been followed by a psychiatrist for 12 years for depression with psychotic traits. However, in 2003, after a few months of strange behaviors, and two lost jobs in 7 days (yes he was working two jobs at the same time) my husband's doctor had to have him involuntarily admitted to the psychiatric unit of our local hospital after identifying a manic episode. That was quite a shock, as I knew nothing of this condition. His patient status lasted 54 days, during which I had to keep afloat with managing the family, my full-time job and three teens at home who did not understand much of what was happening. We went through various events: involuntary commitment for 72 hours, involuntary status for 30 days following a hearing (quite stressful), husband running away from the hospital and being picked up by the cops, at home, in front of the children.
A couple of days after his admission to the hospital, I was feeling completely helpless and found the About Bipolar Disorder chat rooms. I was welcomed warmly, and got so many answers that only people who had experienced BP themselves could answer. Their own experiences with hospitalizations, involuntary status, meds and meds combo, dealing with the workplace, with family, with kids, brought some hope to me, and they were there to let me vent my frustration when needed, or answer more questions at other times. I developed friendships and also started helping other people: some who were new to this but also other spouses. Not having BP ourselves does not mean we are not suffering. Our pain is real also.
In April of 2004, my two youngest kids, age 12 and 13 at the time, had their diagnoses changed from ADHD to BP by the psychiatrist. Lucky for us, they are treated by the same psychiatrist who treated my husband. Now the symptoms they showed were much more identifiable as matching those of BP in children.
Over time, I became an assist and helped in the BP & Family Topic Chat, and now I am a chat trainer as well as a chat host. My goal in the chat rooms is to help everyone who has to deal with a friend or relative with BP. I know how hard it can be, and I know how relatives need information but also support.
In my spare time, I like to work creatively. I love sewing and crafts, but lately, I got hooked on graphics and since the beginning of January 2005, I am one of the Signature Artists of the forum. And I am a computer addict and love to chat.
