Dear Stolly,

I am so sorry you are going through this difficult time. I'm bipolar and I've had to deal with a lot of loss due to this. I did try to commit suicide in 2001 and I will tell you it is definitely not the answer. If you feel that low call a hotline, try and go to a support group or something. When I woke up, I was ashamed, scared and then they put me into the psych ward which scared the crap out of me. I think you said you have children. Don't do it for their sake too they will have a lot of problems if you go that route.

I had a bad manic episode and when I was in the hospital for 2 days when I got home my ex served me with divorce papers and that he was taking custody of our child. I felt lonely, lost and much more but overall like a total loser. There were times during this dark period where I had fleeting thoughts of ending it, but I couldn't and would never do it again because of the love of my child. If I died how would that scar my child if I lived the attempt I would most likely lose custory again. It really is a no win situation.

I also got laid off about 8 months later. I'm in sales too. I did get another job about 3 months later but that only lasted 1 year and then I got laid off again. I've been out of work and quite frankly trying to put my life back together.

In my opinion it is also hard being on the receiving end of the divorce. I know I was hurt, angry, etc. and felt completely abandoned and that I was flawed so my ex no longer wanted me.

If you can afford therapy I suggest you do that. The therapist might also recommend you talk to a psychiatrist about depression medication. There are a lot of free support groups for divorce, depression,etc. I know I also found a group called parents without partners.

I hope this is helpful. If I can assist you in any other way let me know.