Abby!

First of all post here as much as you want! It is not like we're gonna run out of paper in cyberspace <g>. We all like reading the experiences of others and helping when we can.

Second, keeping a journal certainly is one of the best things that you can do. It helps to get it out, it helps keep a record that you can look back on and see how you are doing, it will help you remember your thoughts if you do find a good therapist. Most therapists I've heard of recommend keeping a journal for many reasons. Who knows, someday you may get a book out of it! (Of course it can remain private forever if you so choose.)

Trying to get out is also a good idea. Please keep an open mind for therapy though, in case it gets hard to get out as some point. If it gets worse that might be a sign that something else is going on.

As I said in another post, there are a lot of different types of coping skills. Not all of them are good coping skills. Self medicating will cause more problems in the long run for example. Keeping a journal and trying to get out and to call people are excellent ideas.

As for bipolar also keep in mind that there is a type of bipolar (i think it is called "type 2 bipolar?") where the manic phases aren't all that high. The person just fluctuates between a deep depression and a phase of slight elevation but doesn't ever reach the real no-sleep-high-energy-can-do-anything high that is usually associated with bipolar. If the fluctuations keep continuing it would still be a good idea to get it checked out.

Finally, your sister studying psychology is a good thing if only because it gives you more options. You will have to be the judge. On the one hand it may be easier to talk to her than a stranger, and having had training, she will be more likely to understand what you are going through. You might feel, though, that telling her might open a can of worms with your family. You'll have to judge if she will keep it a secret if you ask her to. Even if you decide not to talk to her, she'll always be there as an option if you change your mind. If you decide at some point to find a therapist on your own you also might consider telling your sister just to have an understanding ear in the family. You'll also have to judge how understanding she will be, some people just "don't get it" when dealing with personal friends or family members. That's why doctors shouldn't treat members of their family.

Good luck and please keep posting here, no worries! That's what this place is for.

-- The world is what we make of it --
-- Dave
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