VoodooGirl:
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I was hoping for some reassurance from older bipolar patients that I can live a long life and have a somewhat normal life. Or more importantly, that my future children can have a normal life.
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Since I was declared only last night to be "older than dirt," my viewpoint may help.
I'm going to urge you strongly to set aside all these current things you're worried about ... these are things really beyond your changing. Instead, learn all you can about bipolar disorder and put together a top-notch support network.
I have an amazing pdoc now, after firing a slew of 'em who were willing to settle for whatever meds we hit on soonest that seemed "good enough." "Good enough"
isn't good enough when it's your life we're talking about! My current pdoc agrees with me: the
best--nothing less will do.
My medical doctor is ace, as comfortable with alternative medicine as AMA-approved. I change therapists depending what issues I'm working on.
Friends are a major part of my support team. Invest in building friends for a lifetime. Look for people who can care for others without judging them.
I'm 66, VoodooGirl. Life's been a struggle, but I've always been able to get the help I've needed at the time. In spite of lost and heartbreak, I've had so much love and adventure and richly rewarding experiences during my life.
I discovered I was an alcoholic before I found out I was bipolar. I think the coping skills I learned in Alcoholics Anonymous have a lot to do with what success I've had in facing being bipolar. One of AA's primary "tools" is known popularly as the Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
Roadie
