zbmom,
I am a mom, too. I am BP II and have been suffering for years. I am 41. I also have horrific anxiety. I have taken every medication there is and nothing works. I have an appointment next week with a neuropsychiatrist to try alternatives to medcation.

The stigma also frightens me especially because I am a clinical social worker and work within the mental health field.

I just started coming here for the support. I need validation. I feel so quilty all the time because I am not the person I want to be or hoped to be. I feel like I am losing time.

I also have self-injured, but I don't anymore. My mania manifests itself as severe anxiety, anger, and violence.

This is a hard disease. I feel the same way you do. You are not alone.

Best,
Jolie