Quote:
Originally Posted by komodo1971
Hi everyone,
My name is Robert, or komodo1971 on this board. I just registered here. I might completely flood this board when I'm manic  or simply withdraw when I'm depressed; just so you know. I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 a month or 6 ago, and before that time I was undiagnosed and untreated for years. Looking back, my bipolar issues already started in adolescence, when I was about 18. I struggled for nearly 30 years. In that time I was diagnosed with so many different mental health issues, including but certainly not limited to borderline personality, antisocial personality disorder, PTSD, uni-polar depression and many, many more. The PTSD diagnosis still stands, together with the bipolar type 1 disorder.
I take lithium, aripiprazole and seroquel to stay as stable as possible.
I live in the Netherlands, and I am married. I have a job, but they want to get rid of me due to the fact that I have been ill too much.
Just wanted to say Hi! |
Hiya Robert! We love to welcome new people to the Psych Central forums. Thanks for introducing yourself!
Many of us can relate to much of your experience. My bipolar disorder surely started in my teens, and I wasn't properly diagnosed until I was 32. Anyway, we both finally got diagnosed and it's good to just look forward.
I'm sorry to read that your job is in jeopardy. Is it possible to get mental health leave? Or at least be allowed to work fewer hours while you stabilize more fully? Many people in the US get short-term disability. I would hope that in the Netherlands they would be understanding. If not, can you go on a longer type of disability? I have been on disability for a while. It has been necessary for my recovery and well-being. My Czech nephew was on disability for mental health issues in the past. CZ has a pretty good system for that.
Were you or your wife born in the Netherlands? Or just living there? I know that people from the Netherlands usually speak nearly perfect English. It's hard to tell.
Welcome again!