She shares, “My name Jenn. I am 41 and I have bipolar I disorder. I was diagnosed in December of 2000 after a long manic episode. Since then I think I have been on every med there is out there. I finally got a great psychiatrist (pdoc) who put me on a cocktail that seems to be working for the most part. I feel better now than I have felt in many years.
“I think my bipolar disorder raised its ugly head in my early teens. Most of it was chalked up as being a ‘moody’ teenager, but I really suffered through most of my 20's with bouts of depression, then feeling great! I had no idea what bipolar disorder even was until I was diagnosed.
“I recently separated from my second husband and I’m adjusting to life on my own. I have three children -- Ryan, who is 21, Amanda who is 18, and Eric who is 16. The oldest lives on his own now and Amanda will be going off to college in August. Eric is just now learning to drive and should have his license in August. Having two teenagers in the house makes for some interesting times!
“I mainly deal with the depressive side of this illness. I get manic maybe once a year and the doctors are quick to put an end to that. I'm getting much better at going for help when the episodes start and I think that has made the difference in my mental health. I also deal with a great deal of anxiety, which is held under control by medication most of the time. I still have my random panic attack here and there, but they are few and far between.
“I have been in therapy for almost nine years and it has been a god-send for me. Therapy has taught me coping skills, life skills and so much more. I'm an advocate of therapy as it is always helpful to be able to talk to someone that will give you feedback that isn't biased.
“I hope I will be able to be a good host on the Forums and give back all they have given me over the years. There are some wonderful people here!”
