I feel like I need to wear a scarlet B on my chest so I can be chastised openly with this stupid disease! As I posted yesterday on plumapplepear's thread, I am getting my feelings hurt a lot lately since more people know of my dx.

Here's my latest story-I quit work recently, my choice, to have more time with my children's busy schedules/appointments/etc. I have taught elementary and middle school successfully for 20 years, but in order to be successful I had to work many hours outside of the classroom. I couldn't give my family the attention they need, and it was frustrating.

Anyway, back to my story. My daughter babysits for my pastor approximately 25-30 hours a week, but she has to go back to high school soon. My daughter gets off at 3, Monday-Thurday, great hours! I had offered to take over this job because I could use the extra income, and I really love being with her kids. A few days after I offered, I was told by the pastor and her husband that they have decided to look for a nanny. Obviously I am probably much more qualified than a nanny considering I have a master's degree in education and have taught many years. Also, I have four children, three are triplets, and they are healthy and happy. I can only conclude, maybe wrongly but I doubt it, that my dx scares them. Yes, there might be other reasons, and I may be completely off base about the motives, but she is also among the group of friends who don't include us in social events anymore.

I am so tired of the stigmas attached with having bipolar. If you can't confide in a minister, a graduate of Duke University, then who is left? Lesson learned-don't confide in anyone!

Now, let's see, who do I have that I can confide in without sensing the fear of horns growing out of my head? My t, my pdoc, my husband, and my friends on this board. With my lack of friends, I guess you guys will be hearing from me a lot!

Bluemountains