Hi,

I just wrote an introduction in the new members section but I also wanted to say hello to this forum since it's where I'll be posting/reading. My name is Joann and I was diagnosed with bipolar II in 2009 and have been on a roller coaster ever since. I guess I was always on a roller coaster and now there is just a name for it. It was a relief to find out was was "wrong" with me but I also took it really hard because I know the stigma that is out there and had bought into it a little myself. I don't tell many people, I don't know if I would call it embarrassment but there is something about people knowing that I'm not comfortable with.

I have been with my boyfriend for two years and he has been wonderful about it. I know I am hard to deal with but he takes it in stride and really tries to understand. He even went to therapy with me for a while. I don't know anyone else that is bipolar and so even though he tries to be there he doesn't understand like I need someone to. I want to be able to say what's going on with me and have someone in my life that says "I've been there!"

If you guys want to know anything else about me feel free to ask!